“Who is Martin Luther King?”
It was an innocent question to the mother of an inquisitive 7 year-old. While she continued to make the bed, she patiently explained the character of the man. She spoke of his peaceful, non-violent demonstrations, of his inspirational speeches, and how his leadership had provided hope to millions of oppressed blacks all over the nation.
She turned and asked, “Why do you want to know?”
“I was just watching TV and a news man said Martin Luther King had just been assassinated.”
My mother fell to the bed, struck by disbelief and grief.
I knew what the word “assassination” meant, and I knew Dr. King was an important guy, but what I didn’t know then was how personal it would become to me.
As the father of an African American daughter, I am keenly aware that where racial equality and racism are concerned, all is not entirely well. Still, I am grateful that Dr. King and others gave their lives to the cause of freedom. I am grateful for the progress we’ve seen in our country, progress that includes, no matter what you think of his politics, an elected black president. And I am grateful, most of all, for a beautiful daughter that has a world of opportunities opened to her…opportunities brought about, in part, by the life work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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