I wrote this story a few days before January 6th, 2021, another day that will leave in US infamy.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” I believe the government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. … Lincoln felt that the ideals of freedom for all and the institution of slavery could not coexist — morally, socially, or legally — under one nation.
I wondered what would the many global civil rights leaders who lost their lives fighting peacefully.
- What would they say about the current moral, social, or legal conditions of North America and other continents?
- What would he say about ongoing systemic racism, about gender-based violence, and about white privilege?
- What would he say about the continuation of inequalities, on injustices afflicted on racialized people around the world?
- What would he say about the horrible deaths of black and ingenious people on the streets and while in police custody?
- What would Dr. Martin Luther King say about the slow walk to freedom that began with the emancipation proclamation?
A walk that has miles to go before they finally overcome and reach the promised land. Those words MLK spoke about on eve of his assassination.
“… I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land…
When shall we overcome —someday?
What would he say about those who want to continue to roll back the clock on progress and on human dignity?
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
