After enduring years of police violence, the Black community is fed up. The recent surge of protests across the nation has brought us back to the fight for equality reminiscent of the 1960s. This revival of activism has prompted many to reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. While this introspection is valuable, it’s crucial to recognize that many white individuals misinterpret his work. The question “What would MLK have to say about this?” has become a common refrain among white voices, but Black people are acutely aware of his true stance. Through social media, they are reclaiming his words and intent.
It’s essential to pause and truly listen before exploiting his quotes to further your own racism or complacency. When Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by a white man in 1968, he was not particularly well-liked by many white Americans. His legacy has been fought for by those who truly understood him. Unfortunately, some white individuals have crafted their own sanitized version of his legacy—one that is often taught in schools. However, there’s no longer any excuse to ignore the true essence of his message.
Dr. King addressed the issues we still confront today. The phrase “history repeats itself” has never been more relevant when discussing race relations in the United States. Systemic racism is deeply embedded in American society, and Dr. King was aware of this. He dedicated much of his life to enlightening the Black community about the harsh realities of this country and the individuals in power. His message was unmistakably clear: without acknowledgment and confrontation of racism by white people, progress is impossible. It’s embarrassing that we are still making this point—and not just for Black individuals, but for white individuals as well.
The issue of police brutality remains unchanged. The images and reports we see today mirror those from the 1960s, albeit without the technology of the time. During the Civil Rights Movement, law enforcement unleashed high-pressure hoses on demonstrators and allowed police dogs to attack peaceful protesters. In today’s context, we see tear gas and rubber bullets being deployed. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
It’s a common misconception that Dr. King was against protests or violence. Many white individuals on social media seem to overlook this critical aspect. Imagine arguing with someone about their parent’s beliefs; it’s absurd.
We are now witnessing a resurgence akin to a second Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King’s image is often invoked, particularly by those who advocate for nonviolent protest. When Black individuals respond to injustice in ways deemed “unsatisfactory” by white standards, they are quick to reference peaceful protests. Many white people tokenize MLK, claiming “he would never” condone certain actions, as if they truly understand his beliefs.
This appropriation of Dr. King’s legacy silences Black voices. When we rise up, his name is often weaponized against us. It’s true that he might be ashamed of the current state of our society, but not for the reasons many assume. He would be disheartened to see that genuine change has still not occurred. While there has been progress, it falls woefully short of what he envisioned. In his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech, he aspired for a future where his children would be judged by their character, not the color of their skin. That dream remains unfulfilled in 2020.
We continue to fight because Black lives are at stake due to systemic racism. The very institutions meant to protect us are the ones inflicting harm. Quoting MLK while ignoring the context of his words only perpetuates a cycle of misunderstanding. If he were alive today, he would be saying the same things he spoke of decades ago. The struggles faced by the Black community in the past should not still be relevant today. Thus, we must continue to stand up.
Don’t preach to us about love and hate when our existence is under constant threat. We are battling institutional racism, facing wage disparities, and living in impoverished neighborhoods. Our communities suffer from health inequities, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The brutal reality is that police violence is a daily threat to our lives. Dr. King understood this struggle long ago.
It’s easy for those who walk through life without fear to advocate for love as a solution. However, love cannot dismantle the hate that fuels violence against Black individuals. Dr. King would not condone passivity in the face of such injustice.
Until white individuals fully engage with the breadth of Dr. King’s words and their implications, they cannot claim to understand his message or predict what he would support or oppose. He sought unity and peace, but he knew that meaningful progress often requires disruption. If he were alive today, he would undoubtedly be marching alongside us, fighting for justice.
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Summary
This article critiques the misuse of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, urging readers to understand his true messages about race, justice, and activism. It emphasizes the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and police brutality, highlighting the importance of context when discussing MLK’s beliefs. The piece calls for genuine engagement with his words rather than superficial appropriation.
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