My heart broke as I listened to repeated announcements of Mrs. Coretta Scott King’s death on January 31, 2006. It is a day for me that will not long be forgotten. When I’ve looked at her, I know my eyes have witnessed quiet intelligence; grace and dignity uncompromised; inner strength that has abounded and stood that awesome test: the test of time. I can only imagine the fortitude it takes to carry on such a legacy of knowledge, understanding, and compassion for and about humanity. Humanity in all its weakness; humanity in all its strength.
As I continue on my journey, my quest, my life - I will do so thinking and acting on my impulses that have so often guided me not away from, but towards humanity. Children especially. I look at our society today and I know… I know that somewhere deep, down inside of me, there is a sorrow that has a greater perspective of this historic moment. Not just for the humanitarian we’ve just lost, but for the loss of what she perhaps has represented to me since my learning, my contemplation and my understanding of civil/human rights and everything that movement entails. In Mrs. King I perceived a continued legacy of integrity, perseverance, hope … I saw in her also a part of something I’ve reaped the benefits of as a person of African descent, but had never witnessed or endured the struggle of: Dr. King and his dream.
I peer through the windows of society today and think especially about those of us for whom the "fight" was primarily fought, and I feel I understand. I understand why some of our most prominent, African-American leaders speak out in such critical, severe tones…. I understand the desperate need to hold on to the King Center. I understand the overwhelming grief ( that I believe) many of us share at this moment. We are losing so much of everything they fought so relentlessly for; everything they sacrificed for, everything they marched for, everything they suffered for. Everything, that both Dr. and Mrs. King gave they’re lives for. They went before us, so that we might know a better experience, better opportunities – a fair chance in the world. In my eyes, Mrs. Coretta Scott King’s death signifies the end of a generation of martyrs. People who fought earnestly, for the people. People who held love and charity above all else in their hearts. People whose perspective went beyond the parameters of themselves and their own lives. People whose grace and beauty was sought not in material possessions, but in perserverance, in sacrifice, in demanding justice, in seeking peace and equality. People who cared not only for themselves, but alas, for me, for you and all of humanity.
Charity is the true spirit of love. As I continue on my journey, my quest, my life - I will do so thinking and acting on my impulses that have so often guided me not away from, but towards humanity. Children especially. I look at our society today and I know… I know that somewhere deep, down inside of me, there is a sorrow that has a greater perspective of this historic moment. Not just for the humanitarian we’ve just lost, but for the loss of what she perhaps has represented to me since my learning, my contemplation and my understanding of civil/human rights and everything that movement entails. In Mrs. King I perceived a continued legacy of integrity, perseverance, hope … I saw in her also a part of something I’ve reaped the benefits of as a person of African descent, but had never witnessed or endured the struggle of: Dr. King and his dream.
I peer through the windows of society today and think especially about those of us for whom the "fight" was primarily fought, and I feel I understand. I understand why some of our most prominent, African-American leaders speak out in such critical, severe tones…. I understand the desperate need to hold on to the King Center. I understand the overwhelming grief ( that I believe) many of us share at this moment. We are losing so much of everything they fought so relentlessly for; everything they sacrificed for, everything they marched for, everything they suffered for. Everything, that both Dr. and Mrs. King gave they’re lives for. They went before us, so that we might know a better experience, better opportunities – a fair chance in the world. In my eyes, Mrs. Coretta Scott King’s death signifies the end of a generation of martyrs. People who fought earnestly, for the people. People who held love and charity above all else in their hearts. People whose perspective went beyond the parameters of themselves and their own lives. People whose grace and beauty was sought not in material possessions, but in perserverance, in sacrifice, in demanding justice, in seeking peace and equality. People who cared not only for themselves, but alas, for me, for you and all of humanity.
Charity: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity. (www.merriam-webster.com)
"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
1 Corinthians 13:13
Let us carry on this beautifully noble legacy of love for all mankind,
Peace and love to you all,
XpressionsofLife
1 comment:
I believe this extraordinary tribute to Mrs. King should be placed somewhere in the annuals of historic tributes of famous people. Well written dear.
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