As we celebrate and reflect on the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a question emerges, like it does before every year’s recognition: What would Dr. King do if he was still with us today?”
It is a valid question. But is it a fair question?
In these troubled times, it may be easier for some to look the other way. Over the past year, there have been many times I have found myself wondering if we are moving at all. Frozen in this time of hate and division are moments when I have found myself walking outside and screaming at the moon.
I have heard from many of you that this is not the divisive world you want to live in, that it is an illusion. But it is the world we live in. From the horrific deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor to the attack this month on the U.S. Capitol, it seems tragedies appear out of nowhere. But shouldn’t we all see them coming?
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, we will reflect on the man and the movement that has brought us all together. We have moved from the state-sponsored discrimination of the Jim Crow South to everyone having the opportunity to cast ballots in fair elections.
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Many of the issues of the past are still being faced by Americans today, however. For some of us, the route to a beloved community is long. For others, the path is short. But it is not the length of the journey that matters as much as the steps we all must take toward diversity, equity, and justice. It all starts with one step.
In the footsteps of our ancestors, we are facing a crisis like never before. This moment is an opportunity, one we must not walk away from; it’s an opportunity to end hate.
Ultimately, it is not what you do every once in a while, it is what you are willing to dedicate your life to everyday. Are you willing to be a drum major for peace?
On Monday, you will hear many quotes from Dr. King. But what will each of us tell the children?
We are at a crossroads right now in our communities and in our country. There is no time for dire predictions, hand-wringing, or hesitation. Now is the time for love.
Will we lose the next two or three generations wondering what Dr. King would say? Or are we willing to start our personal journey toward that beloved community? If you are ready, let’s walk together toward that change.
If there is a child struggling to read in Lincoln Park, that should matter to all of us. That child should become our child as we teach that child how to read.
If there is a senior citizen in Lakeside struggling, that struggle is our struggle.
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And if there is racism anywhere in Duluth or in our neighboring communities, we must eradicate it and shine a light on it so there is nowhere for it to hide.
We must never be comfortable with “good enough.” Let’s finish the journey. I welcome the company.
Carl Crawford is the human rights officer for the city of Duluth. He wrote this exclusively for the News Tribune.
