On January 21st, the nation will pause to remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. King, the face and voice of equal rights, was gunned down on April 4, 1968. The one thing seemingly missing from this years’ King Day: a call for dialogue on race.
King Day 2013 will focus on celebrations and accomplishments. The DuSable museum of African American history will be streaming the inaugural ceremony for President Barack Obama. At the Dupage County Historical Museum, students can celebrate King Day by making it a day of service; a day of giving back. At the Brookfield Zoo, visitors will have an opportunity to listen to and reflect on King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Attendees will also be able to create a Tibetan prayer flag; symbolizing peace.
But why are there no cries for dialogue and discussion on race? Chicagoans believe that people are “racially fatigued.”
Said one Chicagoan:
“People are tired of hearing about racism; (but) not for the reasons you may think. Intolerance is a personal decision; just like tolerance. God gives free will, and all the debates and discussions don’t and won’t change minds.”
One Chicagoan viewed King Day and race relations as another brick in a very high wall.
“First, racism is a sin. You cannot love God and hate your brother. And the issue of race in this country is further complicated by a struggling economy and unemployment. Unfortunately, we should celebrate now because race relations are going to steadily deteriorate.”
Has race relations improved in the United States?
Email your thoughts: sth1718267@aol.com
Source: Chicago Parent
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