Live like a King! Remember, honor, and prophetically be guided into the future by the outstanding legacy of the King family. Had not Africans arisen to confront injustice in America, there would be no human or civil rights in this country.
Capture the greatness of African American civil rights leaders and impart their spirit today in the hearts of a new culture. Let us once again properly identify with their struggle. For me my personal history and interaction with Africans is rather unusual as I as a white man have been numerous times to Africa. The 8 countries I have spoken to audiences in are the impoverished war-torn nations of East Africa.
We must honestly acknowledge the historical atrocities at the hands of white supremacists and the nations they duped into following their ideology. Unlike many white speakers and ministers who go through Africa, I encouraged my African brothers to not emulate white men in their dress, but rather be authentic in their individuality. I tell my African friends: "You were born an original. Do not die a copy."
I personally deeply love and identify with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family. In fact I had the privilege of meeting his daughter Bernice King in Southern California, when she spoke on great expectations for the future. The King family was spied on by the FBI for 4 years after the assassination of Rev. King the great Civil Rights leader.
The King family's forward struggle and refusal to yield our universal human rights should be an inspiration to us all. Even when faced with personal danger, threats, violence, and death they boldly carried on full force to overthrow injustice and the farce of government that claimed to represent we the people. The King family peaceably achieved reformation taking America out of the Dark Ages and one step closer into the light. Let us continue the fight for freedom lest we lose what Dr. King accomplished for us.
History curiously repeats itself. While America bombed and burned Vietnam with napalm, Hoover's FBI was assassinating civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King and Fred Hampton of the Black Panther Party. Today the ATF kills women & children and burns & bulldozes churches (Waco, TX). Police brutalize WTO peaceful protestors on Seattle's streets. NYPD murder African Americans celebrating a bachelor party. Eight Florida boot camp workers punch, kick, and kill a 14-year-old African American boy and are acquitted of manslaughter. Is this democracy and the kind of America Dr. King gave his life for?
Unless we as a people continue to stand up to injustice, the freedoms our forefathers fought for shall be lost as America becomes a police state to serve the military-industrial complex. No government for the profiteers can also be for the people. Nevertheless what we tolerate will continue to dominate. Therefore it is time for us to arise, raise the standard, and take a stand to redeem the homeland.
The White House could use some color to again feel, get real, and heal the homeland.
African Americans have always led the way and been at the tip of the spear to pierce through evil and injustice. In this hour more than ever, African Americans must fight for people of every color who are being exploited and disenfranchized. The voice of African Americans must be heard throughout our land!
Interacting with the victims of genocide in war-torn Rwanda and Burundi (East Africa) where 1.2 million brothers divided and killed one another had a deep effect upon me. My travels deep into "the bush" of Africa (Malawi and Mozambique) where villagers had never before seen a white man, provided me a wonderful cross-cultural experience and the chance to experience being a minority myself.
When times get tough, we must ask ourselves:
Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?
Are you a mover and a shaker, or being moved and shaken?
Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
Are you living and loving fearlessly?
What are you living for and for what will you be remembered?
Is what you are living for, worth dying for?
Do you have a dream? Are you daily moving toward making it a reality or is it merely a fantasy?
What you refuse to confront, you can never correct.
What you tolerate, will continue to dominate.
You don't need a high IQ, if you have a strong "I will" and unflinching determination.
It's time we know ourselves by the spirit and the content of our character, rather than the color and shade of our skin. When we arise within and stop being distracted with conversations of color, we shall truly show the world what it is to transcend racial prejudice and live powerfully.
This Black History Month don't just celebrate and reflect upon the courageous journey toward liberty and equality embarked upon by African Americans of the past. Let us recommit ourselves to the continued pursuit of freedom and equality for all.
African Americans represent every aspect of this country's heritage and hope. Only with the involvement and leadership of African Americans can this country truly unite and achieve civil, social, and economic justice for all.
