“So here we are moving toward the exit of the twentieth century with a religious community largely adjusted to the status quo, standing as a tail-light behind other community agencies rather than a headlight leading men to higher levels of justice."
WHOAH.
Every time I read this letter, I notice something in a new light & it blows my mind. It could have been written yesterday ~ that kind of relevance should make us feel uncomfortable. I encourage each of you to take the time to read it.
The status quo has kept much of our history glossed over, sugar-coated, and concealed.
The status quo keeps us blind to how this history is ALIVE TODAY.
The status quo keeps us desensitized to the violence against black bodies, and unaware of how we have been complicit.
I’ll say that again: We have been complicit. As Ibram X. Kendi so brilliantly put it:
"One either believes problems are rooted in groups of people, as a racist, or locates the roots of problems in power and policies, as an anti-racist. One either allows racial inequities to persevere, as a racist, or confronts racial inequities, as an anti-racist. There is no in-between safe space of 'not racist.”
Kendi continues: “Like fighting an addiction, being an antiracist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination.”
Love is active. Each of us has a unique role in this chapter, but it. must. be. something.
Human lives are on the line & they are worth our time.
You can read Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,'s entire letter here: https://letterfromjail.com