There are few human rights leaders as well known in the United States as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The black preacher from Georgia inspired a generation with his political and social activism helping to elevate the plight of both blacks and the poor in the United States and abroad.
Advocating for non-violent protests, Dr. King was influential in encouraging politicians to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Young people who are struggling to understand the lingering racial unrest and violence may be surprised to realize that it was only one short generation ago that black Americans were not even allowed to attend the same schools as whites in the Jim Crow South.
Dr. King’s legacy did not stop with only aiding the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, but he also spoke out against injustice wherever he encountered it, including speaking against the Vietnam war during a time when criticizing the violent conflict cost him powerful allies in his work.
As we pause today and enjoy our freedoms on this National Holiday set aside to celebrate the life and works of this honorable man, we must remember his wishes and purpose.
At his memorial, he did not wish to have his accolades mentioned, but rather wished to be commemorated for his ongoing work – to serve the poor and needy, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to stand strong for justice.
Today as we honor this man, we can remember that there is yet much work to be done in peace building. Acknowledging all that Dr. King was able to do in his short 39 years on earth using the tool of non-violent resistance, we can join together under the common mantle of Peace.
Yes, Black Lives do matter, and as Dr. King’s associate Ambassador Andrew Young recently declared at his 83rd birthday gala in Atlanta, it is not only the lives of blacks that matter, but also All Lives matter. For who is to say what contribution an individual can make to the group he serves when he is color blind, “judged [not] by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” (Quote from Dr. King.)
In recognizing the pain and anguish, the unfair treatment many blacks have suffered under the cruel and unthinkable legacy of slavery and its ongoing aftermath, we can hold this day as a sacred reminder that all men and women are indeed created equally, and all are deserving of basic human respect and dignities that were formerly denied some based on ignorance, materialism and greed.
Today we can repent for these past sins, and come together as one family, scorched by the fires of hatred and past wrongs, but strengthened by our shared dedication to continue the wise and loving work of this incredible man, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
For as Dr. King so eloquently stated, “Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
One of Dr. King’s goals was to live a Christ centered life, and despite his human shortcomings which we all share to some extent, he lived his life according to the message of one of his favorite songs “I Want To Be More and More Like Jesus.”
Bearing in mind that sentiment, please enjoy and share this original song written in Dr. King’s honor called “King For A Day.” If we were able to act as Dr. King, then perhaps the world would be a better place, one small loving action at a time.
King For A Day
Words and music by Joy Styles and Amanda Colleen Williams
There's a little child playing on a swing
So innocent and loving
When does he learn to hate, and separate, and put up his walls?
Must he learn to lie, and turn his eyes, then why learn at all?
Chorus
If we could be King for a day
We'd change the world we've been given
Make it a place worth living
Take up his work come what may
No one ever said it'd be easy
But faith is the first step to believing
And through the darkest night
We will let love guide the way
Seeing through his eyes
We can rise to a better place
And be King for a day
The time is now to turn the tide
To unify and not divide
No room for selfishness, or bitterness no eye for an eye
Let's retaliate, with love not hate don't let the dream die
Chorus
If we could be King for a day
We'd change the world we've been given
Make it a place worth living
Take up his work come what may
No one ever said it'd be easy
But faith is the first step to believing
And through the darkest night
We will let love guide the way
Seeing through his eyes
We can rise to a better place
And be King for a day
© 2011 DivaStyles Music (SESAC), Hillbilly Culture, LLC. (SESAC),
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
