MLK’s dream: We must all be willing to answer the call

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, January 11, 2017

The third Monday of January each year, the nation takes pause to honor the legacy and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King. Locally, there are several events slated that will also pay tribute to King’s life of service and his hope for our nation’s future.

A community breakfast, a celebration of essay contest winners, and the annual community march are among the events aimed at embodying the spirit of King’s message of racial, economic and social equality and justice for all.

After the conclusion of the long holiday weekend of events, we should all also remember that these acts of service and reflections embody a spirit that we can all carry with us all year long for the betterment of the whole community.

It shouldn’t begin and end on the third Monday in January.

Respect for our fellow man and striving for equality for all citizens shouldn’t have a special date attached. It’s an ideal that we can spread throughout our communities each day. We should also remember that in order to leave a true mark in this regard we must do so with our actions — not just our words. Future generations are watching us, and their ability to make the world a better place is also dependent upon the example we set. All around us, there are constant reminders of what not to do — from many of our government leaders at every level to those in our own neighborhoods. But, we must also acknowledge that for every bad example there are others that shine a light for us all to follow. Too often, these don’t garner enough attention and that’s unfortunate. We should all strive to be the example we wish for others to follow.

We remember Dr. King as a crusader for civil rights, non-violence and a messenger for conquering injustices, but he was also a strong proponent of community engagement and activism at the grassroots level to enact change. These are arenas where we can all honor King daily right here at home, through school, government and community. 

We should all ask ourselves what we can do beyond Monday to strengthen our communities and our engagement to help ensure that no one is left behind.

Dr. King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

There are numerous challenges before us — in our homes, our neighborhoods and all across our nation — both great and small. Some we all agree on, while others are ripe with controversy. Some way or another, however, it should be our charge to respond.

We simply must be willing to answer the call.