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 Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute - What If
By Lela McGee - January 12, 2006
If I could travel back in time and take a panoramic view of history, like the late Dr. Martin Luther King did; where in history would I began my reflection? Dr. King chose to travel back to Egypt where God's children were making their dark journey from Egypt to the Promise Land. Unquestionably, this was a virtuous and pious choice.
After I personally considered all of historys prodigious occurrences, I chose an event that was as impacting and critical as the Exodus. I traveled back to Montgomery, Alabama - to the day that the Montgomery Improvement Association asked Dr. King to become their spokesperson in leading history's largest boycott. This boycott birthed the Civil Rights Movement and eradicated segregation. As I reflect on such a remarkable incident, I pay tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and our collective efforts in continuing his legacy.
As I glanced back in history, I was reminded that it was just fifty years ago, when little white children and little black children couldn't hold hands and sing. That was a time when segregation was an everyday part of American life. African Americans were treated as second class citizens in a country in which they helped to build. It was daily news for people of color to be threatened, beaten, and killed because America embraced segregation. History teaches eight years before I was born, there were separate neighborhoods, schools, public facilities, and water fountains. We were forced to enter through back entrances of many facilities, even being compelled to ride at the back of the bus, until a courageous and God sent woman refused to move to the back of the bus.
It was then that fifty thousand individuals mobilized and boycotted the bus system. With valor and being led by Dr. King, African Americans sought change. Unified and committed they began to march for equal rights in all aspects of life. This stance proved to be sacrificial and dangerous. Yet, not even unleashed water hoses and attack dogs could turn them back. With fervor they continued this march, not caring who would be wrongly jailed or who might have to sacrifice their life; the bold zealots marched on. On and on they marched, becoming weary and at times many were physically unable to continue on; yet, they chanted from the profundity of their souls, we won't be turned back. Unremittingly, they pressed on and change occurred. The fruits of their labor rendered me and all other African Americans, the right to be treated as first class citizens.
As I sit here, privileged to write, I humbly thank you Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others, for my opportunity to write, teach, and speak unaffected and without incident. Thank you, for granting all African Americans the choice of being educated equally and fairly. I could never thank you enough, that I can eat at any lunch counter and enter all facilities using the front entrance. But more than that, I thank you Dr. King because my four sons can play with all the girls and boys regardless of race, color or creed.
About The Author - Lela McGee
Lela McGee, a Michigan resident, is the author of "Wakening" - the first book in a seven book series called "The Path". For more information or media interviews, go to www.lelamcgee.com or call Pauline Edward at (866) 967-5733 ext. 2281.
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