#SteveBannon has dangerously and erroneously co-opted my father’s name, work and words.
Bannon’s assertion that my father, #MLK, would be proud of Donald Trump wholly ignores Daddy’s commitment to people of all races, nationalities, etc. being treated with dignity and respect.
My father’s concerns were not sectional, but global. He was an activist for the civil rights of Black people in America, but he was also an activist for human rights. #MLK
Further, he would not refer to people as “illegal aliens.” The term is degrading and does not reflect his belief that we are all a part of the human family. #MLK
In addition, he would never pit one group against another in the struggle for justice, as Bannon attempts to use him to do in discussing those he termed as “illegal aliens” and Black people. #MLK
Bannon’s comments are like feeding someone empty calories, in that they don’t convey a comprehensive view of #MLK as a global humanitarian who cared about the well-being of all people.
My father would be extremely disturbed by the climate created by leaders, who have emboldened people to easily express and demonstrate cruelty, predominantly toward people of color and immigrants. #MLK
Finally, #MLK would be proud of a livable wage for all and not merely a low unemployment rate. #PoorPeoplesCampaign
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If our ultimate goal is to create a more peaceful, just, humane world (beyond only considering what we believe directly affects us), we’ll have to stop talking at each other and start talking with each other.
We’ll have to educate each other on issues, even when it seems unfair and tedious.
We’ll have to rigorously attack injustice, not being provoked to chaos by workers of injustice.
Nonviolence is not passive; nor does it cower in the face of evil and injustice. However, it is strategic, active and tactical, with an ultimate goal in mind. Now the question is: What’s the ultimate goal?
A critical mass of people with a shared ultimate goal will help us develop a global, comprehensive strategy. We determine the parts that make up the whole. So reuniting children with families is a part of the ultimate goal of creating a more peaceful, just, humane world.
But understand these words from my father: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” People who are complicit in facilitating injustice must be honest about the source of tension; and work for justice, instead of only condemning disorder.
Un-sanitize my father. It’s hypocritical to “celebrate” #MLK, but be against justice and true peace; and to demonize those who share truth about injustice. This, too, is MLK: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”
How can you love #MLK and love separating immigrant children from their families?
How can you love #MLK and not feel pain when a 10-year Black boy is handcuffed by police for fitting a description?
THIS is an attempt to take us back to the days of lynching and public humiliation to scare other Black people and keep them in their place. But we are beyond woke. We will continue to pursue truth and justice until these evil practices stop.
From ex-NFL Player Desmond Marrow: "I was falsely arrested & taken into custody in Atlanta by the Henry County Police . I only had my cell phone in my possession and they claimed to be scared for their lives . I had no type of weapon in my possession.”
”I was arrested for having a gun that turned out to be my cell phone. During the arrest the police knocked my teeth out, slammed me on my head and choked me out until I was unconscious. In addition I suffered a shoulder strain and a concussion.”
A black man was killed by police while holding a cell phone. Another, a metal pipe. Don’t say “He wouldn’t have been shot if he was wearing this” or “He should have spoken to the officer more respectfully.” These are lives. Human beings. Do #BlackLivesMatter? Racism says “No.”