A CANVAS MLK

A CANVAS PAINTED IN MANY COLORS, WITH MANY HANDS

Martin Luther King Jr., His Contribution to U.S. Freedom and Equality

As a nation, our canvas is woven not of plant fibers, it is instead woven from the fiber of our history, and our paint is made up of the story of the lives, of all the people of this nation. The paint of our portrait as a nation is laid down by every hand, from every generation, as each face the challenges which have formed and kept our freedom since the beginning.

This United States was founded by “immigrants” who came to this land with a dream; it was the hope of finding freedom from persecution for their beliefs and social equality. At the beginning of this country, wars were fought on U.S. soil, hoping to establish a new form of government; one which would be, “for the people” and governed by the people, insuring that the tyranny and oppressions from which they fled, would never exist in the United States of America.

Today, reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr. and his movement for racial equality got me thinking again, about what U.S. freedom means to me. Like the majority of U.S. citizens whose families have been here for generations, my family is mixed race. Therefore, Martin Luther King Jr.’s cause and movement, has had a major impact in our lives.

The meaning of political freedom and equality in this country has changed drastically since the founding of this country. I think now, U.S. Political freedom has a much deeper meaning then those who founded this country could have ever imagined.

Grievously on April 4^th 1968 the murder of Martin Luther King Jr., brought about the most dynamic change in our understanding of U.S. freedom. With a single shot, this country was brought to their knees, and back to the reality that this is NOT just about politics, it is about all our “Human Rights!” Having said that, I did not intend to diminish the racial persecution, suffering, sacrifice and loss of other Americans, before Dr. King because I’m aware it was that very history, which spurred him to champion this cause for human rights. And I believe it was because Dr. King presented such a volatile truth, so peacefully with such eloquence and grace, that people could finally hear and follow this mans path paved with a love for all humanity.

So, here we are, a nation founded by immigrants, a country made up of many races, with many beliefs. Therefore, it boggles my mind that as a nation, discrimination still exists in this country! Yes, it’s better now, yet we still have a long way to go. So, then, why is this it still true in one of the most politically free countries, that discrimination is still such a big problem of our society? The answer is simple really; no matter how many laws are passed there will always be ignorant people and tyrants who have a need to suppress and discriminate against others! So, where is our hope as a nation that we will ever achieve that dream for true freedom for all? I say yes, our hope for the dream come true lives on, because of people like Martin Luther King Jr. For he is one of the finest threads woven into our canvas. *(link to his most famous speech below)

This Article is by, Dolly S.J. Piper ~ 2016©

Steam Trunk Publications™

*“I HAVE A DREAM" Speech by, Martin Luther King Jr. (Video Link)

https://youtu.be/fIshI_qxxew