Often during this time of the year, we reflect on Martin Luther King and the impact that he has had on our community. The quote below is one that many of us know well, but today I want to draw attention to the final part of this quote.
“Content of Character”
You see, I believe that this phrase is an overlooked morsel that gives us the key to achieving the highest level of equality.
We have come a long way since the 1960s. As black people, we have access to so many freedoms and opportunities, but what are we doing with them?
It is very easy to become sidetracked by the many news stories that lead us to believe that we are under constant attack. So much so that we remain hypervigilant to every perceived slight, just waiting to exclaim “It’s because I am black!”.
However, it is my personal belief that if Martin Luther King was alive today, he would be proud of how far we have come as a country. He would be proud of all of the many black men and women who are taking advantage of the educational opportunities that have been afforded to them through the Civil Rights Act. He would be proud to see so many black people breaking boundaries in healthcare, music, athletics, technology, education…etc.
He would be proud to know that black families all over the country can live in white neighborhoods and feel safe.
He would be proud to know that black families all over the country can visit restaurants filled with white people and not be treated differently.
He would be proud to know that MY three little children can go to school with white children and not only have access to the same quality of education but also be treated as equals.
He would be proud to know that as a black woman, I can get a job alongside a white person and feel just as welcome.
Now, this is not to say that there are not times and situations when these opportunities do not exist, but from my purview, they are not as prevalent as some would have us believe.
100% equality may never be achieved. There will always be those who discriminate against people who are different. Many races and classes of people have and will continue to experience some form of discrimination whether directly or indirectly.
However, I believe that if we focus our attention on the “content of character”, we can live equitably amongst those who care less about skin color, sexual orientation, or religion, but care most about the value that a person brings to their organization and/or community.
