A Reflection on the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

by Resia Cooper, NASW- NJ MSW Intern

Originally published in NASW-NJ FOCUS Magazine, January 2022

On 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.

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 confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."

"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."

Sometimes, I imagine what it would be like to sit in a room with Dr. King. My first thought is of the importance of solitude and silence—the sheer solemnity of the moment. Then I hear the click-clack of his shoes, an indication he is near. A man of great stature approaches, with a voice that ripples through my eardrums, the resounding echoes calling “I Have a Dream.” He stretches his arms to gather all the community's children and pours a wealth of knowledge into these willing and capable vessels. His power lies not only in his strength, but in his vulnerability. He is a man of many tears; a man whose grief wasn't in who he lost, but in the dignity that lay within his grasp yet so far away. His strength allowed him to ask for what he knew we should receive; his willingness to be vulnerable allowed him to persevere, despite knowing he might never see it.

There is still significant work that is left to be done.

Dr. King laid an excellent foundation for what community organizing can be. His work is reflected in the efforts of modern-day community activists who peacefully address some of the biggest social problems we presently face. As social workers, we honor him with advocacy for what is just and action to bring positive change to our nation. The fight for social justice is ongoing, and we all play a role in the outcome.

Let your dreams speak for you today, tomorrow, and in the years to come for the stance you take on freedom, equality, and love.