I love and honor MLK Day - it is one of the only holidays that actually mean anything to me personally. But I've always felt a little bothered by how MLK has been "watered-down", how is opposition to the Vietnam War is often ignored.
I went to my son's kindergarten MLK performance and left with a lesson learned. This whole MLK Holiday, I think, is for real
Schools all across the country focus on MLK these days as a special school subject/performance/field trip/writting contest, etc. There is real focus and education on his his generalized msg. We are Teaching Peace in our schools, and this past couple weeks my son, who will turn six on Valentine's Day, went around the house singing MLK justice songs. He asked me who killed him and why? I was able to show him my books on MLK.
I grew up in a progressive Christian household and knew MLK. But never like my son will. And my son will grow up and learn a much broader perspective of MLK and his msg. He'll know that leaders can be made when the speak truth to power. That's a start.
I feel that MLK Day is something that not only has meaning in its iconiclastic way, but is a holiday that is evolving. Our nation loves this man b/c, even with his flaws, he showed us a glimpse of greatness, a glimpse of what is possible. And our nation is making it a true holiday. Our schools focus on justice, our city holds rallies, our university holds a weeklong symposium.
And as I watched my son and his classmates last Friday trying to model and honor MLK, I understood that right now, us adults are facing that same challenge. And that challenge is the true gift that MLK gave for us 40 years ago. He showed us how to handle the situation we have found ourselves in. He gave us moral clarity, yes. But most importantly, he acted boldly when it was needed. He spoke truth to power.
And as our leaders consider sending more men into battle, apparently believe that more might will create lasting peace, that expanding the war into neighboring countries is a solution, I am moved by the greatness of MLK. Not that he wasn't flawed - he was just a person like you or me. But he leave us with an image that reminds us, and which we can attempt to live up to. And can teach to our kids.
I hope we can live up to the example he gave us.