Monday was the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday. Along with other activities the local town had a parade and a gospel sing. The print and social media were filled with King’s photos and memorable quotes, of which there are so many. I remember the turmoil of the 1960s and his peaceful demonstrations, which, through no fault of his, weren’t always so peaceful. Years later I interviewed Ruby Bridges, the 6-year-old girl who was used to desegregate the William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. A few years ago I visited his massive memorial in Washington, D.C., fitting for a man of his stature. Now, while we celebrate the man who was beaten, jailed and eventually assassinated for daring to stand up for human rights, how much has really changed. When I hear of tragic accounts of racism and rising anti-Semitism in this country, I have to wonder. Much change has happened in our culture since the 1960s but only God can change our hearts.
A Man of Peace
Published
Briefly Speaking 