Every year around this time I say something about my personal hero, Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. This year is no exception. Of all the people I admire and respect in this world he is the one who has stayed consistent. Of course part of the reason for this is that his greatness has remained frozen in time long after his death. Even the “discovery” of his human weaknesses only made me admire him more. His words never let me down whenever I need a kick in the butt. When I am feeling down and out I remind myself that the weight he carried was greater than anything I have ever endured. And that I should be humbled that I can live the life I live because of the sacrifices he and his fellow activists made.
My life could be much worse if not for him. Looking at the news these days and listening to some of these radical conservatives on the radio and TV (you know who they are so I will not honor them by naming them) I strongly believe that there is a chance that segregation and Jim Crow would still be policy if not for his leadership. Last year one of the Nameless tried to usurp the anniversary of his assassination but to no avail. Dr. King’s Legacy lives on untarnished by those who would water-down his message.
Throughout our lives people disappoint us. I think this is the nature of living but it doesn’t make it hurt any less. Most people don’t plan to let their friends or family down, it just happens given that we are imperfect creatures. I am sure there are many people who feel the same about me. Probably more than I’d care to admit. It is simply is a part of life. But for me, King is one of the few people whose words never fail me. I am constantly inspire