This January 15 day finds us at a time in which a towering monument stands with his likeness on the western side of the Tidal Basin in Washington DC has been completed and dedicated.
We will also celebrate another King Day federal holiday tomorrow.
But we also find ourselves on his birthday once again combating the forces of faith- based intolerance Dr. King battled during his time on Earth who wish to roll back painstakingly made human rights progress.
We have a America that is seemingly more divided than ever politically and the first African-American president facing what is certain to be an ugly reelection campaign. We also have a country in which some people arrogantly think it's okay to be bigots, Gordon Gekko 'Greed Is Good' acolytes and hate on the poor.
This is a moment in time in which as Dr. King called them, dedicated minorities need to stop being timid about the status quo, stand up and proudly step up to be drum majors for justice.
"The hope of the world is still in dedicated minorities. The trailblazers in human, academic, scientific, and religious freedom have always been in the minority. That creative minority of whites absolutely committed to civil rights can make it clear to the larger society that vacillation and procrastination on the question of racial justice can no longer be tolerated. It will take such a small committed minority to work unrelentingly to win the uncommitted majority. Such a group may well transform America's greatest dilemma into her most glorious opportunity."
That creative minority now more than ever needs to step up and show leadership in their communities, because the people who are being attacked by the Forces of Intolerance and your country desperately need you to do so.It's the least we can do to celebrate the birthday of a great American who gave his life to not only liberate my people from the shackles of ignorance, prejudice and crushing despair, but is the inspiration for millions around the world.
Happy birthday, Dr. King.
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