Let Freedom Ring
I can’t believe that I call this a leadership blog and almost didn’t post to honor Martin Luther King Jr. on his day. I did do a service project with our teen leadership group though to make it a day of service rather than a day off as over 5,000 groups did across the country. Thanks to Execupundit, I listened to the video of his “I have a dream” speech. The text of his speech is here. To me, the most important dream that he lists is:
I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
This is certainly more true today than it was when he gave the speech in 1963, but there is still progress to be made.
Black Gives Back has some thoughts and great pictures here. They note:
Today, Dr. King would not be pleased with statistics on the black community, particularly on black males: Fewer than 50% of black males do not graduate from high school, one-third of black males born today will spend time in prison, 48 percent of all black children live without fathers in their home, and a 2005 study found that among black murder victims, a whopping 93% were committed by other blacks.
But rather than simply complain about the stats, they offer a call to action for people to make a difference with options of giving time or money. This is the leadership that I wish we saw more of from politicians of all political parties.
On this day as America remembers our nation’s greatest civil rights leader, take some time to reflect on what you can do to continue his dream. Mentor a child. Invite a young black male who does not have a father figure on an activity with your family. Volunteer. Get active in your community. Give of your time to a worthy cause.
For mentoring opportunities in your area: http://www.mentoring.org/
To locate an organization to volunteer your time or donate to: http://www.networkforgood.org/
Donate to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation: http://www.mlkmemorial.org/
Hi Uncle Joe! Love your blog! Thank you for posting this.
Thanks Tracey. I apprecite the feedback. I’m a fan of Black Gives Back as well. We might be doing something along the lines of the Principal on Wheels you posted about a week or so ago.
Great! Please keep me posted!