Reflect With Love: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have been 92 this year, and though he is physically gone from this world, his legacy of moving this world towards justice continues. People are still working to end racism, to have basic human rights, and for there to be equity. While we can honor the changes that have been made, it is essential to remember the journey towards having civil rights is far from over. As you enter into this day, we invite you to take space to engage with the following practices:
JOURNAL PROMPTS
As we continue to demand a world where civil rights are non-negotiable, we ask:
Where do you stay silent when you should be speaking out?
Where do you take space when you should be listening and amplifying?
How will you commit to anti-racism work this year?
ENVISION A WORLD WHERE BLACK FOLKS ARE THRIVING
If all Black people were thriving, how would our world be? What would this world look like? What conversations would be happening? What systems would need to change? How would you need to change? Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous speech was his “I Have a Dream” speech because it speaks to what can be and the possibility of equality. However, it is also often the piece that people have taken for their own benefit without acknowledging the true work at hand and the danger that comes from doing anti-racism work.
LOCATE YOURSELF IN THE MOVEMENT
As you think about the current state of our world and how many Black Lives are taken each year, how many statements are made that cause harm, how many acts of violence are perpetuated- notice where you are silent when you should be speaking out. Notice where you speak when you should be listening. Notice what spaces you occupy and where you could potentially and intentionally cultivate space for transformation- where you can amplify the work of others, where you can change language that is used in your workspace, where you can speak out in conversations where harmful things are said, where you can give money to those who are doing anti-racism and liberatory work. Notice where you currently stand and where you want to go.
MAKE A COMMITMENT
Write a statement that declares what your commitment is to anti-racism work this year. How are you committed to showing up? What actions are you going to take daily, weekly, monthly? How are you going to embody this work so it is integral to who you are? How are you going to hold yourself or your community hold you accountable?
