By Judy Buchanan
As our nation celebrates Black History Month, I am reminded of the work and life of the great American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the driving force behind the largest gains in racial equality the country had ever witnessed. Using principles of non-violent protest and the power of words, he became a powerful and effective advocacy for all oppressed people.
To quote his words “ Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred [nor] allow our creative protests to degenerate into physical violence.”
To consider Dr. King’s words in light of today’s Protests, Violence, Name-Calling, Inciting hatred and Intolerance for those with differing positions, we must be reminded that words and action do matter. Tell me, when intending to send a message to elected officials of disapproval are screaming voices with a back drop of breaking glass and vial language going to really change minds, actions or merely Make Noise.
Oh yes,…I’m very mindful of our constitutional right to free speech and assembly, to name just two. However, with those rights, I contend we have some responsibilities.
I attended a recent, well-attended event at the BCPA hosted by several local organizations, including Not in Our Town. Yes, there were signs, clapping, raising of voices, but there was a concerted effort by the sponsors who communicated well their message of human rights, equality and embracing differences, BUT their words were followed by a message to communicate with those in pubic office.
There will be some who say, just raise your voice a few decimals, those politicians don’t care anyway – BUT wait who are those politician’s….yep they are elected representatives of us. They were brought to their office by the vote of the people. Were you there, did you vote? Ah ha…. in addition to having the right to free speech and assembly, we also have a responsibility to become informed on issues, communicate our concerns and vote and help to recruit and support those we want to hold elected office. We may not always be in agreement, but our elected officials need to hear your position, the impact on you and your neighbors. And to get this done, you need to have a message, become engaged and vote. Civic engagement and responsibility is not a spectator sport.
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