MLK Day for me is about honoring someone who had the courage to stand up for what is right even though he knew it was dangerous and there would be consequences. It is about honoring someone who taught us that we can only achieve unity and peace by acting with compassion for one another.
My parents shared stories with me about their childhood and growing up in the South and the unfair treatment of Black people. They grew up during a time when things were not equal, and segregation existed. Martin Luther King inspired them to leave the South in search of a better life for themselves and their family.
As for me, I am most inspired by Martin Luther King’s ability to lead and touch multiple generations and races of people not only during his lifetime but even to this day. My involvement with Graycor’s DEI council allows me to work towards the change that I would like to see, and hopefully, continue to impact future generations.
One of my favorite quotes from MLK:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
I have that same dream for my children and am hopeful that change will come.
