This article was written by me, and is printed in the January 2016 issue of the FORT WORTH BLACK NEWS on page 8.
As a woman of a certain age, I remember the assassination of Dr. King. I remember the struggle that he died for. I wonder would Martin think that his sacrifice was worth it?
What would Martin Luther King, Jr. think of the state of Black America if he were alive today? I’m not talking about the tragic events of Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and others. I’m talking about the day to day situations that we as Black Americans find ourselves in.
What would Martin think about the senseless killings—black on black killings? What would he think of the horrible way babies are executed to get even with their parents? What would he think of students on their way home from school being fatally shot? What would Martin think of gunfire breaking out as mourners leave a funeral? Would he think his sacrifice was worth it?
WWMT of the educational situation of Black America as he sees that others coming to this country with nothing but the clothing on their backs, unable to speak English and yet and still they excel in education, and in finding employment? Albeit their starting employment may be even less than entry level, but in a few years, they have become managers, even successful entrepreneurs. WWMT when he sees Black America whine about others taking our jobs, but doing nothing to improve the situation? Would he think his family’s sacrifice was worth it?
WWMT when he sees that the things that have increased in numbers since his death are ones that no none should take no pride in– we have grown in the onset of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. What would he think–that we know better, but we don’t do better? WWMT of the family situation of Black America where children grow up never knowing their father, where father’s never step up to the plate, where we are in a family where our siblings all have different fathers. Would he think his sacrifice was worth it?
WWMT of Black America when we complain that the president of the United States has not done anything for us? What would he think of a people who still do not vote, yet we think we have the right to complain? Would he think his sacrifice was worth it? WWMT of parents who allow children to disrespect authority at home, in school and in society? WWMT when our children are raised not honoring their parents, because parents have never taught them the meaning of respect? Would he think his sacrifice was worth it?
Would Martin be proud that one day a year, we say the “I Have A Dream Speech”, but we don’t live it the rest of the year? I am sure he is proud of the Oprah’s, President Obama’s, Colin Powell’s and others, but what about the majority of Black America? Would he think his sacrifice was worth it?
Would Martin sit with Harry T. Moore and his wife (killed on Christmas morning), Medgar Evers (gunned down in his driveway), Malcolm X (killed in front of his wife) and others wondering if their sacrifices were worth the progress that has been made? Would they think that leaving their children fatherless, and in some instances motherless also was worth their sacrifice? Would Martin think he was a drum major for a band that does not practice what it preaches? What Would Martin Think of Black America today? Would he think it was all worth it? WWMT?
Remember “thisisyourbestyear”–Sacrifices were made for all of us.
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