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It’s been a week since MLK Day, and many people will hardly think of his life or legacy until next year.
Not at Footnotes. MLK Day represents the beginning of Black History SEASON, and there’s still much more to learn from Dr King, especially in these disturbing days.
This is part of an occasional series called Footnotes Classic where I bring back seminal articles so we can revisit the knowledge and apply the lessons for today.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1983. After nearly 40 years of annual commemoration, what more is there to say?
I must confess, I did not intend to say or write anything publicly this MLK day. I have already written about the topic in years past. What I’ve said before is still relevant today.
In addition, I often think MLK day should be a day OFF for activists and advocates rather than a day ON.
We daily strive to raise awareness about racism and alter the attitudes and structures that leave it in place. On MLK day we are expected to give talks, make appearances, volunteer, and explain to a still unwilling nation why we must conquer hate with love. It’s exhausting.
Perhaps the best way for those of who regularly engage in the struggle for racial justice to commemorate the MLK day holiday is to take a break and rest for a moment.
The Case for Black History SEASON
The far-right is making a full assault on Black history, especially during America 250. If you value learning the truth of Black history, become a paid subscriber today.
But in talking with my friend Tyler Burns with whom I co-host the Pass The Mic podcast, a few thoughts stirred in me.
Why does MLK’s often (misused) dream remain so elusive? Why are we still fighting so many of the same battles—including the fight for voting rights—today as King and others fought half a century ago?
Here’s why: We have the words of King but not his walk.
We quote King, but we do not live like him. We celebrate him but we don’t imitate him. We love King’s wisdom, but not King’s way.
In this podcast, I talk about what makes King’s way so hard, and why we need to take up the mission despite the difficulty.
What part of King’s vision and legacy do you find most inspiring? What part are we most in need of today? Let us know in the comments!
