Today is Martin Luther King Day in the United States, a statutory holiday to honour the civil rights leader whose non-violent movement led to changes in equality for people of colour. King could be called a martyr for the cause, assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39.
In the Fall of 2011 a huge memorial to King was unveiled in Washington D.C. and there is a controversy about the inscription which says "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness." The words, critics have noted, were edited from a longer quotation in which King stressed the conditional: "If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice," the passage begins. By abbreviating the quote King comes across as arrogant, which he wasn't.
This was a decision of the architect and the sculptor and now many are demanding change. Why not choose one of the stirring phrases from his speeches and sermons. MLK was a pastor, a man of God, whose addresses included many biblical quotations and metaphors. Why not use one of them? Or consider these:
Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better. An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.
Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Will you take a moment to remember Martin Luther King today? I suppose you are if you reading. What do you think about this controversy?
I just spoke to my class about him, and showed them a short film on the late 60s.
ReplyDeleteThe quotations you listed are outstanding, and the first really resonates today. If we could only rise above our own vested (and selfish) interests and worked for the benefit of us all, the world really would be a better place.
It's not fair that a lasting memorial should have a quote that's taken out of context.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see a biblical quote. He has a type of scroll in his hand. It could echo Moses.
Thank you for the additional quotes..much better tributes to this great man, offering inspiration to each of us to "pick up our cross".
ReplyDeleteGood to know Canadian kids are learning about someone who should be an international hero.
ReplyDeleteI'm inclined to agree Kathy. He quoted from the prophet Amos,"let justice roll down like waters, righteousness like an ever flowing stream."
Thanks to all of you.