By Digital Afro Contributing Writer Issac Morgan: Issac is a distinguished graduate of Florida A&M’s School of Journalism. He is an avid writer covering diverse topics including politics, digital media, sports, & social reform.
As we pay homage today to the late Dr. Martin Luther King on the 50th anniversary of his assassination at a motel in Tennessee, his legacy and dedication to the civil rights movement through his tireless efforts to reshape the social climate in America toward a more level playing field, is what all minority groups must reflect on to truly gain some perspective on how far we’ve come. Not to mention, it’s another opportunity to look through the metaphoric magnifying glass to analyze our status on social issues affecting the black community currently, and what we must do to ensure his legacy lives on.
Civil rights leader Andrew Young (L) and others standing on balcony of Lorraine motel pointing in direction of assailant after assassination of civil rights ldr. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who is lying at their feet. Joseph Louw—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images
Imagine Dr. King in Heaven waiting on a messenger to deliver the latest news on the progress America has made related to the social issues he firmly stood up for. Would he be satisfied with the achievements of African Americans? Have we made enough progress with racial equality in our nation? These are some of the questions the legendary civil rights leader would
consider when giving our nation an overall “grade” based on his principles.
Electing the first African American president was a milestone that he’d sure be proud of, especially the fact Barack Obama served in the White House for two terms. Obama’s successful campaign and tenure in the oval office gave hope to millions of individuals of color and proved that themajority could judge a man based on the content of his character and not his skin.
His untimely death reminded us that the educated black man remains a fierce creature, while his non-violent and grassroots approach to protest changed the game, which White America dreaded him for at the time in history. Today, we should be proud of the desegregation of educational institutions, but also give credit to HBCUs producing our nation’s next black doctors, teachers, and leaders in a variety of fields.
With So Much Racial & Social Discord coming from Trump’s right wing… Would King be happy about where this nation is at now?
We also should not get complacent and realize that Dr. King’s goals for America have yet to be accomplished but Will take more leadership roles in black America. Mr. King would quickly discover the new way of imposing discriminatory acts through systemic racism, showing up in all levels of societal institutions such as employment, housing discrimination, the disproportionate black incarceration rate, immigration policy, among others.
Though many barriers have been broken for blacks in this country, there is still a lot of work to be done to fulfill Dr. King’s vision outlines in his highly acclaimed “I Have A Dream” speech. Despite the recent election of a white Supremacists as our president, Donald Trump’s unethical practices gives us an opportunity to spring into action, proving that minorities are
resilient and will overcome any obstacles. As we honor his life and legacy, give thanks today to Dr. King for his influence and contributions towards social change.
