This past week, the nation celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy. It is truly an incredible task trying to comprehend his impact on the world– today’s society would be unrecognizable without Dr. King, especially considering the contributions made by racial minorities. Still, the fight for equality continues on; however, Dr. King has catapulted this journey possibly more than any single individual.
Social norms and views differ across the world. I have become familiar with ideas that may astonish people of other regions. I live in Birmingham, AL and grew up in a town neighboring Montgomery, AL. These places were the hearts of Jim Crowe and the fights against these heinous laws. Every day, I am reminded of the individuals who were willing to lose their lives to ensure that my ancestors could never freely live theirs. Social media, news outlets, and my physical surroundings all alert me of the world’s truth: racism is alive and well. If you do not believe so, your ignorance is truly bliss.
To those around me who attempt to discredit Dr. King and the work of his constituents, I ask, ‘How does one fly Confederate flags and celebrate General Robert E. Lee, but simply claim “southern pride”?’ The Confederacy was founded upon the love for slavery and the hate for slaves. The South will rise again? The supremacy of the South was fueled by the oppression of blacks. Your agenda is racist and I, too, would be ashamed to admit this.