Thought for the Week – Dr. Martin Luther King Day

It was in August 1963 that Dr Martin Luther King addressed an estimated crowd of over 250,000 at the height of the civil rights campaign in Washington USA.  The ‘march for jobs’ was to become a major turning point in the struggle for equal rights for the black population of the USA.  Despite this massive support, with people of all backgrounds coming together to demand change and equality the battle was at that time far from won.   The following month a church in Birmingham Alabama was bombed by white supremacists with the tragic death of four young girls.  The ‘Selma’ march in 1965 was a peaceful march for voting rights was met with water hoses, whips and dogs. These events, along with the march for jobs were, however, to become the catalyst for the reform that would soon come. Dr. King was to pay the ultimate sacrifice for his convictions when in April 1968 at the age of 39 he was assassinated in Memphis Tennessee.  By today his immense contribution to the civil rights legislation which outlawed all discrimination is remembered and honoured on a day designated a national holiday in the USA. ‘Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day’ was held on Monday of this week as it is every year on the anniversary of his birthday. A whole nation remembers the sacrifice of this simple Baptist preacher who stood uncompromisingly for the Biblical truth of equality and respect for all God’s children.

Martin Luther King was convicted by the Christian Gospel that all are equal regardless of race or creed.  His non-violent approach was challenged by some in civil rights campaign but he was convinced beyond all argument that following the teachings of Jesus and especially of turning the other cheek, even in the face of extreme provocation was the means by which freedom and new beginnings would come.Much has changed since those days of the civil rights movement. The USA has had its first African-American President which would have been beyond the wildest dreams of anyone during those dark days of segregation.    Martin’s vision and sacrifice was the death blow to the indignity and suffering his people had known for generations.  His vision lives on in the hearts of all who seek a world free from prejudice and racism.  His final words on that August day are visionary of a day when all who live under oppression and fear will be able to proclaimis vision –   ‘Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we  are free at last’ –  May that day soon come!