Equality, Empathy, and Dr. King’s Enduring Echo

Hello Queen,

Today is a day of contrasts. We celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader whose vision reshaped history, while also reflecting on how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.

If I’m honest, my emotions are all over the place. Gratitude swells when I think of the brilliance of the Civil Rights Movement, a time when ordinary people accomplished extraordinary things by coming together for a shared purpose. But there’s also a heaviness, a reminder of the work that remains undone.

The essence of the Civil Rights Movement was community. It wasn’t just about one man or even one group. It was a collective effort—a movement fueled by shared determination and the belief that justice is a right, not a privilege.

Dr. King once said, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” His words remind us that the movement was never just about Black Americans. It was about holding this nation accountable to the promises it made to all its people.

For me, this day is deeply personal. My family often reminded me that I am one of the first in my lineage to be born with full civil rights. That truth is sobering. It’s a reminder that what we have today—freedoms we sometimes take for granted—was not given freely. It was earned through struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering resilience.

Dr. King didn’t work alone. The power of the movement came from the people. Communities standing shoulder to shoulder, each contributing their unique talents, ideas, and courage. Together, they became an unstoppable force for change.

As we step into this new era, I find myself reflecting on the importance of community. Who do we surround ourselves with? Who lifts us when we feel uncertain? Who reminds us of our power when we forget?

I also feel a deep yearning for the voices of those we’ve lost—Maya Angelou, John Lewis, Chadwick Boseman. They spoke with love, courage, and a profound belief in the potential of humanity. Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Their words live on, inspiring us to lead with compassion and conviction.

And then there are the women whose contributions to the movement often go unrecognized: Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Jo Ann Robinson, Ella Baker, Diane Nash, and countless others. These women worked tirelessly, organizing, strategizing, and building a foundation for progress.

As Black women, we’ve always carried this nation—organizing, planning, and protecting—often without recognition. But today, we’re stepping into a new chapter. We are reclaiming our energy, prioritizing our peace, and choosing ourselves.

I believe Dr. King would be proud. I imagine him asking how he could support us, fully understanding that this is our time to restore, recalibrate, and reclaim. He once said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” That justice includes the right to dream, to rest, and to thrive.

So, as we honor Dr. King’s legacy, I encourage you to dream—not just for this nation, but for yourself. What does freedom look like for you? What would it feel like to let go of obligation and instead create a life where your dreams bloom?

Michelle Obama said it best: “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.” Your dream is yours to define. Your life is yours to build.

Take a moment to ask yourself:

  • What will I envision?
  • What will I create?
  • What will I release?
  • How big will I dare to dream?

The Civil Rights Movement was about more than laws and policies. It was about opening doors so that we could step into our fullest selves. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech wasn’t just a vision for society, it was an invitation for each of us to dream boldly and live authentically.

As we move through this week, may we honor the sacrifices of our ancestors by daring to live the lives they dreamed of for us.

To those who came before us: thank you. Your courage, brilliance, and love light the way for us all.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

With love and hope,
Monica Wisdom

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