Gemini Rising

A Day to Remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today is a Federal Holiday in the USA – it’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day – and I just wanted to stay a couple of words about the day.

First, I think it’s important to give a shout out to the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. They were hard fought and hard earned. His example of passive resistance, much like Gandhi, is an example to world. Violence only begets more violence, but MLK’s passive resistance gave a different example to the world.

MLK Jr. led the March on Washington, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and his “I Have A Dream Speech” is poignant reminder of the importance of Civil Rights. My favorite quote from this speech is:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Why is this quote my favorite? Because in my eyes we are all equal before God – I have strived never to judge anyone on the color of the skin, and I am proud to work in such a diverse environment at the 911 Dispatch center in LAPD.

I did an Internet search for the definition of Civil Rights and found:
Civil rights are legal protections that ensure individuals are not denied or limited in their freedoms by governments, social institutions, or private individuals. Civil rights encompass the right to equal employment, a fair trial, public education, public facility access, marriage equality, and freedom of religion, among others.

I am thankful for all the work to advance Civil Rights, but more work could be done. I think it’s important to remember that everyone is entitled to legal protections from harmful laws passed by government, biases by social institutions and discrimination by private individuals.

Let me leave you with these words from Martin Luther King Jr: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

May you enjoy a Day of Rest and in your own way remember Martin Luther King. I’m going to light a candle and offer up a prayer of gratitude for the things in my life that are good.

All the best,
Steph