Black History Month: Joining the fight for social justice (Conclusion)
The Counseling Corner
By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min. M.Th
“Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Last year on April 4, 2018 marked the 50th year anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. As Dr. King and other supporters of nonviolent civil protests were confronted with some definite realities in their generation, so we now have our own 21st century social justice challenges.
Fifty years after Dr. King’s death, persistent inequality is obviously a serious problem as our nation is still confronted by some glaring realities of political and racial divisions and crucial social and civil injustice issues. Our nation is dealing with challenges such as killing of black life, global food crises, poverty, homelessness, racial disparities in the prison system, health care and wealth inequities, etc., resulting in uprisings, demonstrations, strikes and solidarity protests. Time and experience have proven the prophetic wisdom of Dr. King to be true: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” (Letter From A Birmingham Jail, April 1963).
While in the last 50 years our nation has come a long way on the road of progress making improvements in equalizing opportunities for African Americans and people of color; our nation still has many, many miles to go on the road to true equality in order to fulfill Dr. King’s dream that one day we will live in a nation where we will not be judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character.
This Black History Month, even as we recognize the gains of the past, may we continue moving forward with the energy that further progress demands. May we become more engaged and mobilized as activists in the fight against racial, social and civil injustices and find ways we can advocate for these social justices. It first begins by understanding the issues and then joining with the church in building a faith-based movement that will raise awareness for justice and equality for all. With a shared belief in social justice and equality, we can achieve even more as a people in the future.
Dr. King told his listeners in a speech entitled “Keep On Moving,” delivered at St. Luke’s Baptist Church in Birmingham Alabama in May 1963:
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
Let’s keep moving forward with optimism and insight, joining the new generation of activists to take a stand and continue the fight for social justice.
Next Month: The Loneliness Epidemic
General Disclaimed: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
“Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This Black History Month, even as we recognize the gains of the past, may we continue moving forward with the energy that further progress demands. May we become more engaged and mobilized as activists in the fight against racial, social and civil injustices and find ways we can advocate for these social justices. It first begins by understanding the issues and then joining with the church in building a faith-based movement that will raise awareness for justice and equality for all. With a shared belief in social justice and equality, we can achieve even more as a people in the future.
