I am moved today, as I ponder the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to write about my own experience as a bi-racial and multi-cultural woman in 2012. Over time I’ve become acutely aware that although major strides have been made in neutralizing blatant racism in our society—one must still be thoughtful in dealing with the issue of race relations.
It is not enough for us to say, ‘Well, let’s just ignore race and all these problems will just go away.” Ours is an increasingly multi-racial world. Our own president is racially mixed. Those who are a blend of two or more distinct backgrounds have a unique identity—and to ignore that is to deny a person’s individuality. I’m not saying let’s get ‘hung up’ on what we are, I’m saying accept that there are many different types of people and then respect them for it—truly respect them—not just on this holiday but every day of the year.
My own journey to understanding the profundity of my heritage is only just beginning to make sense to me. I say “profundity” because if we all stop to look back upon our history, we see just how much it has left an indelible print on our world view. I’ve been ridiculed, pre-judged and excluded for my race and ethnicity, but none of that has broken me. It’s left scars, to be sure, but I’m no worse off for having had to face those demons. Still, as I look at my dear, little, almost five year-old cousin, I would endure any pain so she would never experience the soul-crushing effect of prejudice.
In a eulogy given at the funeral for three of the little girls killed in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Alabama, Dr. King said that, in their death, the young victims, “say to each of us, black and white alike, that we must substitute courage for caution.” It’s easy to be cautious these days—to not rock the boat--to let the occasional joke or remark just pass by. Instead, I say stand up for what you believe, defend the honor of a friend or family member, and do it peacefully. Nothing is gained by trading punches. In contrast, words have the power to chastise yet redeem even the worst offender. If you read Dr. King’s speeches his words still contain potent lessons and heartbreaking hints at a future he wouldn’t live to see. Take a moment and read some of his writings today, you’ll be inspired to take stock of your words, your actions and your role in the struggle to respect and value all people.
Norma Holland, Rochester, New York
