A Reflection on the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Resia Cooper, MSW Intern
“We must choose: do we stay with the status quo and
take the easy road, or do we stand up and speak out for what is right—for human rights. "
O
n August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. urged the residents of our nation—both present and future—to consider a dream of racial harmony and equality. Dr. King's famous, "I have a dream" speech vividly painted a portrait of the civil unrest of the time, the divided state of America, and the racial disharmony and discrimination plaguing our nation. He made clear the reality that Black and brown people deserved a seat at THE table, not just a table, and detailed how hatred and bitterness can overtake people's hearts and lead to civil unrest. As a child growing up in the inner city of New York, the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of Dr. King were often discussed by my family. His accomplishments played a significant part in the Black history curriculums that depicted the “I have a dream" speech as a critical turning point for our nation. Dr. King was, and still is, a semblance of hope for Black and brown people. I vividly recall proudly bosting that I, too, had a dream as a child. Dr. King and his legacy play a vital role in the pride and dignity I have in myself, my children, and my people! At just the mention of his name—the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—a mental bell rings, reminding us that his dream must live on.
6 | NJFOCUS •January 2022
His legacy is one of resiliency and determination. Dr. King led from the front, but he also showed the world it was okay to take a stance contrary to popular opinion, as long as what you were advocating for was right. As social workers, we often find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. We must choose: do we stay with the status quo and take the easy road, or do we stand up and speak out for what is right—for human rights. If we can learn anything from Dr. King, it would be to heed the call of what is just and right; and that whatever you are called to do, give it your best and do it with your all. The late great Reverend Dr. King, Jr. passed away nearly 54 years ago, yet his words still ring true. Here are just a few that are most impactful to me: "We are not makers of history. We are made by history." "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education." "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow conf ines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."
