I
randomly picked this topic out of curiosity; ever since I was young I have
heard all kinds of people speaking about this man, a leader and a hero,
famously known for his quotes, Martin Luther King. I actually dint know about
him much apart from him being a clergyman, I wasn’t even sure, about I have a
dream and of course for his famous quotes that I too have been using them but
not so familiar with this historical figure.
Martin
Luther King was a middle child, I guess it runs in middle children, am not
mentioning names, probably that’s why I got curious about him. Its funny how he
became a clergy man, just like his father, many are the times pastors kids are
complete opposite of their clergy parents, if I was to look around and, pin
point clergy children, my point will be well demonstrated, but well its just a
stereotype.
One
thing that amazes me is the dedication that he had on fighting for human rights
and especially for the blacks. I wonder, was there a time that, he was
discriminated against that made him the person he was? But then again it
doesn’t have to be for that reason, as everyone has a different passion that
was his passion and calling. I was especially amazed by the story of a 15 year
old woman, Claudette Colvin, who was charged for not giving up a bus seat for a
white man, mind you she was pregnant. You know what this comes with, moods and
moods to make it worse she was unmarried. For heavens sake, with all respect,
those Jim crow laws, as was being followed, was total misery. Why would the
white man come earlier than that if he really needed the seat? I wish that can
happen now, the rudeness especially in Nairobi public transport, no one can
spare you for that.
Jim
claws laws are ridiculously funny, no white was supposed to be a nurse in any
public or private hospital, It shall be unlawful for a negro and white person
to play together or in company with each other at any game of pool or
billiards, All marriages between a white person and a negro, or between a white
person and a person of negro descent to the fourth generation inclusive, are
hereby forever prohibited. I can not continue with this, its so depressing,
I just thank God I have never experienced such animosity, so to say. These are
the few of many other laws that Martin Luther was fighting against. I have not
experienced this discrimination to this far, the one that was bad for me, but
no where near this is a time I was in South coast and we were literally chased
away from a hotel just because we are blacks. It wasn’t directly told to us but
some things, you don’t have to be told, its just right there on your face. Back
to these annoying laws, how on earth would someone think his/her race is most
important and not even care to an extent a law is implemented. When I say
a law, I mean it, its a set rules and guidelines which are enforced through
social institutions to govern behavior.
Its
just amazing how there’re people who no matter what they go through, they keep
the optimistic attitude. Martin Luther was one such person; King used a
non-violent strategy which was well adopted by black students all over. This
included the activities of the freedom fighters in their campaign against segregated transport.
Within six months these sit-ins had ended restaurant and lunch-counter
segregation in twenty-six southern cities. Student sit-ins were also successful
against segregation in public parks, swimming pools, theaters, churches,
libraries, museums and beaches. Talk of great leaders, Martin qualifies, unlike
most of our leaders who advocate for all violent ways they know of he did not,
no wonder everyone uses his sayings till today.
Well,
I don’t know what will happen now; we’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it
really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I
don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life - longevity has its
place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And
He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen
the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know
tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. So I’m happy
tonight; I’m not worried about anything; I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes
have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."
I
have been to the Mountain top, that was the last thing, he said and the next
time he was shot dead. How sad people leave us. But one thing is for sure he
has been an inspiration to many, he changed the world, with so many things but
the key he fought for rights, human rights that were completely not rights
according to other human beings.
