Martin Luther King, Jr...I mean DOCTOR Martin Luther King, Jr

Autumn is learning about him in school. She is also learning about racism. What a sad thing to have to learn but at the same time it teaches so much. She keeps telling me stories about him and calling him Marin Luther King Jr and then saying, "I mean DOCTOR Martin Luther King, Jr" That Doctor part seems pretty important to her.

She has come home every day talking about Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges and Martin Luther King Jr. She seems so young to be exposed to these stories. They are hitting her in a way that is hard to put in to words. I suppose it I chalk it up to growing up and learning about the world.

We have a picture of Martin Luther King, Jr and a copy of his "I have a dream speech" in our house.

Personally, I think he is one of the great Americans that people should think of more often than one day a year. I can't wait for the day when I can forever without hearing someone referred to by the "color of their skin but referred to by the content of their character." We all know that day isn't here despite a 1/2 african america president. (wooo hoo Obama!!!)

Have you ever really read or heard that speech? Even thinking of it brings tears to my eyes and goosebumps...even after all these years.

part of the speech:

"But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrong deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone."

For those of you thining I have some sort of allegiance to the black community....get past it...this isn't about that. MLK was an amazing speaker with a profound non violence message. THAT is why I admire him so much. It just so happens his message was discussing racism.

Peace! Tomorrow-remember a great man by acting in peace or responding to hatred or bitterness with dignity. Don't perpetuate.

Teresa