On this day 49 years ago Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis by James Earl Ray. He was in Memphis to lend his support for the African American public service workers. Dr King's life had been well documented and his legacy assured for his advancement in the civil rights movement.
The Lorraine Hotel is the backdrop for the National Civil Rights Museum. If you are visiting Memphis this museum is a must see. It highlights the civil rights movement culminating with room 306 preserved as if it was April 4, 1968.
Also 2017 is the 50th anniversary of the movie Guess Who's Coming to Dinner starring Sydney Poiter as a black Doctor engaged to a white women. At the time of the movies release interracial marriages were stil, illegal in 17 states.
We have come a long way in 50 years or have we. Here in Canada, Aboriginal Canadians live on reserves with poor socio economic issues. Lack of proper housing, clean running water can be contributing factors in high incidences of diabetes, tuberculosis, mental health issues and a high rate of suicide among youth.
Even here in Winnipeg, which is a diverse ethnic city full of many cultures and opportunity. Yet the their day near my office I overheard the following conversation: a gentleman in a pick up truck was stopped at a red light. A family probably new to the city speaking in their own dialect were crossing the street the light turned green before they could cross the road. The gentleman in the pick up truck rolled down his window and told them to go back to their country.
Unbelievable, I went up to the family and offered my apologies for the other gentleman's comments and reactions. In the words of Rodney King why can't we all get along.
Dr. King talked about inclusion, inclusion for everyone all races, all genders everyone as equals. Why can't we strive for this. All it takes is stepping forward and doing the simple things whether it be a simple hello on the street, helping them learn English or providing schooling or employment.
People are seeking a sense of belonging, self esteem, pride, and identity. Everyone wants to be valued. We are all striving to have good mental health. However, sometimes the hill seems insurmountable with a continued systemic level of hate.
No comments:
Post a Comment