Historical Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. was 26 years old, married with children when he began to attract national attention. King, supported by his wife Coretta Scott sacrificed his life to stand against the unjust segregated laws in America.

There were many nameless others before him in small towns and big cities who challenged systemic racism throughout their lives. These courageous individuals faced daily decisions to accept the social order or risk death by demanding changes. Most of them did not become household names or have streets named after them.

By the late 60’s, Dr. King was assassinated. I was 13 years old. I will never forget the sadness, anger, and confusion that consumed me. This man stood for correcting the wrongs against American Black people. He stood for good. He fought for change.

When I was 26, I was married with children seeking evidence of the promises, and sacrifices made during the civil rights movement. Truth is, the issues were then, and remains today, equal opportunities for all who are willing to fight for it.

Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King, laws were changed to align with the bill of rights as stated in the constitution. Infrastructures and systems of inequality were challenged consistently, exposed and slowly dismantled.

It still takes strategic organizing, awareness and support of the people to scrutinize new laws introduced that rebrand modified oppression.
We, the people must continue to stand in the name of fairness, equality and constitutional rights for all. “Truth crushed down will rise…” (Dr.Martin Luther King.Jr.)

FCHickombottom