iluvnerds

Today our nation and many around the world are reflecting on the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Though I was not alive during that time, I still find it a profound time to reflect on.  Much of what I enjoy today is because of the hard won battles of the Civil Rights Movement and the slaves they descended from.  It's not enough just to remember the times gone by, my thoughts are moreso on what am I doing with what Dr. King and others fought for...eqaulity, voting, educaiton...the pursuit of happiness.  Where do I see myself in all this?

Born in 1980, almost 12 years after Dr. King's death, I know my life was profoundly affected by his legacy.  I grew up in a small town in southwest Georgia, where sometimes it seemed like time had forgotten about us.  I can remember when there was a black prom night and white prom night at our local high school, even though they all went to school together daily.  Thankfully, by the time I was a senior in high school, the prom was integrated.  Though such a minor thing, it speaks volumes of the mindsets of the status quo. 

While home of college break, I answered the door when an elderly white man came to our home and asked to see the "boy of the house".  My aunt saved him.  As a proud student of a historically black college and first generation college graduate, I was ready speak my mind.  Another time, a different elderly white male was talking to my dad about the "coloreds" while looking for parts at my dad's junk yard.  Overhearing this, I later asked Daddy about it and he said, "Baby, don't let that bother you.  He's just a product of a different time.  He doesn't mean anything by it."  This alone speaks volumes about the man who raised me and my family life. 

I can even remember the first time I saw the KKK in full dress having a meeting on the land near the overpass.  We were traveling back to our home on Thanksgiving night after having visited my grandmother who was in the hospital.  It was painful to say the least.  On a day when we should all count our blessings, people took time away from their families to come together under a banner of hatred.  All I could think was you don't even know me, yet you hate me simply because I look like you with a tan.

In spite of all the prejudices that I experienced and witnessed, I was never taught to hate and had a profound sense of "Love sees no color".  I even wore a t-shirt with that message.  Deep down, I always knew there had to be more than what I saw growing up.  Unlike so many others, I didn't get angry or bitter but wanted to understand what was wrong and how to make it change.  What does all this have to do with Dr. King?

Because of him and so many others, I am blessed to stand on the shoulders of giants.  Their sacrifices make it possible for belief in change to be realized and to see it in my lifetime.  I have friends of variety of nationalities and live an amazing life.  I've traveled to a variety of places and can do what I enjoy not just what is allowed. 

A life changing moment for me was when a white friend whom I had confided in came to me one time and apologized.  She gave me a white cross and apologies for all of the prejudiced I had experienced and witnessed.  I was astonished and dumbfounded to say the least.  I gained and learned so much in that moment.  That amazing act of love was like a capstone in the healing of my heart.  For that alone, I am grateful to her. (Love you girl!)

What am I doing to be an agent of change?  I'm choosing not to hate or be angry but to love.  I try to be accepted and check myself to be sure I'm not perpetuating ignorance.  I call it ignorance because we are all guilty in some way or another of not being our “neighbor’s keeper”.  The sin itself is a punishment.  By being prejudiced for whatever reason, whether race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, immigrant v. native, etc., we can deprive ourselves of great opportunities.  I can’t guarantee that every opportunity with be good but it’s worth the risk.

  Picture: My hometown, July 3, 2007