Equality is a word used often today. However, it is not printed on employment forms, college admission forms and an assortment of other documentation. Yet, to many groups of people around the world the status of being equal is elusive. The grey reality is that people around the world remain ‘segregated’ on different rungs of various ladders - based on language, religion, ethnic race, gender orientation, income (levels of spending), job designations, places of residence (especially in Asian thought patterns) and a range of other ‘differences’. On global political stages world leaders and politicians make claims of equality, yet, how practical is the “e- word” in everyday life?
It is in this disoriented backdrop that we remember with gratitude and respect the legendary Martin Luther King Jr. King was a man who “practised what he preached”. He had the zeal and courage to stand up alone. He was the one man who changed the entire ‘system’ of the American nation. He was a shepherd who fearlessly led his flock to take their rightful place. I vividly remember the words of an ordinary American citizen to a news reporter, that glorious day, when President elect Barack Obama was about to be sworn in. The man said, “MLK paved the way for this very day”.
I reckon, the very reason we honour MLK decades later is, the fact that he did not only fight for the African Americans, but he fought against injustice for many ‘disenfranchised’ people as well.
There were hundreds of ‘white’ brothers and sisters who campaigned alongside the Civil Rights Movement in that era.
Luther’s words were empowered by his deep desire to liberate the suffering classes, which is why he delivered his famous 17 minute speech “I have a dream” in 1963, making him one of the greatest orators in American history. In 1964, he was bestowed with the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality.
Four years later, he was shot dead on 4 April, in Memphis, Tennessee. King was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
During my stay in the US, I embarked on a visit to many states. One area of interest was in search of two Kings. One was MLK, the other was the King of Rock and Roll. Strangely, many have claimed to see the latter drifting by wearing his blue suede shoes! MLK lives on in a dignified state of remembrance.
MLK was born to Michael and Alberta King. His original name was Michael (after his dad). It was while attending the Annual Baptist Conference in Germany that senior Mr. King decided to change his son’s name as Martin Luther, in honour of the leader of the Reformation. Little did he know that years later his own son would lead and establish greater change. MLK was forced to learn at a segregated school. At age 12, after losing his grandmother he jumped from a second storey building, attempting suicide.
He survived. At 13 years, he was already an established orator. At 18 years, he joined the Seminary, expressing a deep desire to “serve humanity’. King fell in love with a white girl (of German origin) but could not proceed further as there would be ‘consequences’ in this inter racial marriage. In 1953 aged 24, he married Coretta Scott.
The 1963 March in Washington was a resounding success. Over a quarter million people demanded the following - stop segregation in schools; establish minimum wages and prohibit racial discrimination in employment.
It is a timely reminder for all those in authority, globally, to remember that all men (and women) are created equal. It would be awesome if all men were able to sit down together at the ‘table of brotherhood’. In every democracy, people must be judged by the content of their character.
MLK was shot dead at 6.01 pm on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, Memphis in 1968. Martin Luther King succumbed to his injuries at St. Joseph’s hospital, an hour later. He was only 39 years. As we reflect on the life of MLK, may we be inspired to stand up boldly against injustice. We must strive to live together, embracing our diversity. We can only make progress together.
US Ambassador, Atul Keshap said, “Dr. King was a champion for human rights, justice, and equality. On Martin Luther King Day we honour his martyrdom and celebrate Dr. King’s dream and vision of compassion and unity, knowing that the struggle for reconciliation, civil rights and justice has always been, and continues to be, a global mission”.
The American Centre is organizing a panel discussion; open to the public on 18 January at 5.30 pm to commemorate MLK.