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Mark MLK Holiday With New Resolve

By The Famuan editorial board

Credit: www.mlkday.org

Nearly 42 years after Martin Luther King Jr. made his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, many blacks in the United States are still dreaming of King's equal nation. In 2005, random police brutality is still claiming many young lives. Many black communities are still filled with drug dealers and crack addicts. Students in those communities still are not adequately prepared to continue their education. Men and women in these communities are still contracting HIV at an alarming rate.

The reality in 2005 is that while some blacks may be living King's dream of equality and fair treatment, many are not. Many blacks live in poverty. Many blacks can name more correctional facilities than institutions of higher learning. Many blacks will not live to see their 30th birthday. People who are supposed to serve and protect them will gun down many blacks in their own communities.

While the country may pause for one day, the FAMU community should recommit itself to improving black communities everywhere. Not just in January, but throughout the year. Poverty, violence and ignorance will never end if our collective work ceases after the holiday.

While King is remembered for many things, his commitment to service stands out. If anything is to be remembered about King, it should be that "everyone can be great because everyone can serve."

Let Monday be the beginning of service and fresh commitment to improving communities in this country, and maybe King's dream can materialize sooner rather than later.

By the editorial board of The Famuan at Florida A&M University. The views expressed in "Voices" are those of the writers and do not reflect the opinions of Black College Wire or its affiliates.

Posted Jan. 14, 2005