The Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Washington DC during Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom
Courage
Courage goes hand in hand with the personal feeling of danger. Relation to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts during the Civil Rights Movement implies that we must be united in the push for peace and racial equality. Notably, it requires us to convince others to display the same courage we have. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood up to prejudice through his actions and words. He was quoted numerous times saying, “…defeat the flood of fear” (“Dr. King’s Power of Perseverance Seen Through the Eyes of the Community,” 2021). He displayed courage without thinking of the possible repercussions that could prevail. In his mind, the truth could only prevail if someone like him condemned the racial prejudices in society, no matter the cost. Of note is his application of nonviolent efforts throughout the struggle. Notably, his letter to the clergy persons of Birmingham Jail following his arrest shows his stance and determination to oppose unjust laws. He felt that the only way to change the law was by displaying the courage to face the subsequent punishments. He broke the segregation laws at will, showing his followers that it was the only way to be freed from captivity. His actions and life should serve as a reference point for us all with the determination to fight for a worthy moral course. Our unification against racial inequality and push for peace will determine whether the coming generation will still be subject to prejudice.
Struggle
Just like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. faced numerous obstacles throughout his mission for equality, the push for peace and racial equality must be accompanied by the desire to conquer the ensuing obstacles. In addition to being arrested many times for protesting, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. faced numerous violent attacks targeting him personally and his property. Death threats, the bombing of his home, and a case of stabbing include some of the things he had to encounter in his struggle (“Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?,” 2023). His struggle prevailed at a time when most African American families were subjected to poverty, deprivation, and slavery, subsequently losing their self-respect and belief. Drawing from his struggle, it is clear that we must own the push for peace and equality for us to prevail. Most people today seem unconcerned by what is happening around them to focus on their personal lives. Our objective is to inform everyone that the struggle is for us all and bears significant benefits to the present and upcoming generations. Despite the intimidating efforts by our adversaries, we must remain focused on our push for equality and universal peace.
Persistence and Perseverance
It would be a great achievement if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s persistence and perseverance were reflected throughout the community. Drawing from his quote, “…whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward”, everyone involved in the struggle for peace and equality should be motivated that their contribution will bear long-lasting impacts and a legacy to be remembered (“Dr. King’s Power of Perseverance Seen Through the Eyes of the Community,” 2021). We cannot afford to be passive or silent amidst the prevalent racial inequality and disturbed peace surrounding us. His legacy inspires all to answer the call to service and upgrade our social consciousness of the issues surrounding us. As students and young individuals, it must be upon us to take action to realize the better tomorrow we aspire to see. Despite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. encountering numerous tough times in his struggle, he barely lost sight of his objective of achieving a non-racial society. Rather than spreading the hate that prevailed in society, he preached love even to their adversaries. Thus, we must assume a leading role, respond to tough times, and be sure that others will follow our course too.
Conclusively, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s acts of courage, struggle, persistence, and perseverance are a reference point to all those seeking a better world characterized by peace and equality. His role in the Civil Rights Movement can only be admired by many, either from within or without the struggle. As part of Baker College’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative, our role is to anchor our efforts on peace and equality on his admirable actions.
References
Dr. King’s power of perseverance seen through the eyes of the community. (2021, January 21).
The Weekly Challenger. https://theweeklychallenger.com/dr-kings-power-of-perseverance-seen-through-the-eyes-of-the-community/
Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.? (2023, January 12). https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/martin-luther-king-jr
