As we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we remember everything he stood for and the legacy he left us with. Check out an exclusive story written covering the National Monument honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, written by a daughter of Malcolm X, Ilyasah Shabazz. The Source was honored to publish this wonderful tribute in this manner in our #249th issue.. We respect and present the CULTURE of the people…
The long-awaited 30-foot granite sculpture of the prominent Civil Rights leader with 14 excerpts from his most significant sermons and speeches finally greets American history. The dynamic Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is located at 1964 Independence Avenue in Washington, DC—the number signifying MLK’s milestone achievement, the 1964 Voting Rights Act. The memorial was initially conceived in 1984 by the African-American Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, of which Dr. King was a member. Alpha Phi Alpha raised in excess of $120 million to ensure the monument’s completion. While many dreamed of this day, Dr. King was far from a mere dreamer.
On Sunday, October 16, 2011, we were reminded of how far we have come since the days of the transatlantic slave trade—the largest forced migration of millions of culturally diverse African men and women in bondage who laid the foundations upon which North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean now stand. On this historic day, those of all races treasured the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial as a monument to all of the gallant freedom fighters upon whose dedication to the ideals of democracy we, in the United States of America, now stand. The King national memorial will forever remind us to honor him and all those who fought injustice, forfeited personal gain, and even sacrificed their lives to make this nation the leader in both world economic power and living up to the promise of “freedom and justice for all.”
As a student of history, I was reminded on that sunny afternoon of a particularly relevant observation made by my father, El Hajj Malik Shabazz, Malcolm X, who said, “We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity. One day, may we all meet together in that light of understanding.”
A world meeting commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for advancing the struggle for freedom in America to the forefront of global consciousness with his particular brand of leadership, determination, love, and light. As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his enormous contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, may each of us vow continued support for the equal rights agenda. As we applaud Dr. King and his ability to guide a nation toward peace, may each of us pledge to rid the world of war and injustice of any and all kind. And as we pay tribute to a freedom fighter and dedicate a timeless national memorial in his honor, may each one of us emulate his wisdom, courage, commitment, purpose, responsibility, and selfless sacrifice to “truly” create a better world for ourselves as well as for generations yet to come. It was indeed a great day in history. Let’s make more! —Ilyasah Shabazz
