Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that “[w]e must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” These words have remained relevant long since they were spoken and are more relevant than ever in 2024. Amongst a now infinite stream of headlines espousing political turmoil, it can be hard to hold onto the message of hope and unity that Dr. King preached. However, exactly when all hope seems to be lost is exactly when hope is needed most. Americans’ concerns for the future of this nation may be infinite, but through the words he spoke into a legacy of amplified humanity, Dr. King urges us to keep our hope even more boundless. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a celebration, a reflection, and a challenge to make good on Dr. King’s dream of hope and hopefulness for this nation and this world.
On this day, we come together with our communities and celebrate the life of someone who led the fight for equality and change in America over five decades ago, and whose actions and words continue to inspire us to carry on this fight in the 21st century. Now, more than ever, Americans must fight for equality in our nation, not just on the personal and social levels, but the systemic level. We can promote equality in our communities, but the institutions that govern us will not do the same. While systemic racism may not be as overt today as it was with segregation in Dr. King’s day, it is no less insidious and no less poisonous to the ideal of a united America that we all hope for. A justice system that incentivizes the incarceration of people of color through removing their voting rights, an education system that forbids teaching anything but a sanitized version of history, and a healthcare system that privileges white patients over patients of color are not just harmful to those they discriminate against. Their existence eats away at the foundations of democracy for all Americans.
In these times of struggle, we may feel that we are further than ever from becoming the unified nation Dr. King spoke of in his “I Have a Dream” speech, the nation where children, as well as adults, can be judged for their character rather than their socio-cultural background. In the face of this uncertainty, it can be easy to lose hope. However, hope does not come without action. The battle against racism is not fought by standing passively when racist behavior rears its ugly head, hoping that change will come soon enough. It is fought through active anti-racism, standing up for what is right and becoming a part of the change needed in the world. Indeed, hope is not some fragile butterfly, flitting gracefully down onto one’s head like an angel’s feather. Hope is an active verb, something you have to go out and make yourself.
In his “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. King states, “We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day provides an opportunity to look inward at how one combats racism every day. It also affords an opportunity to look outward at what one can do to make steps toward unity and equality in their communities. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a day for action.
Reader, what are you doing “to make real the promises of democracy” and champion hope in your communities?
Please join us for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m. This event will take place at the Paradise Valley Town Hall, located at 6401 E. Lincoln Drive.
