It’s a sense of pride for the African American community that one of the first holidays in 2023 commemorates the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader, on January 16.
To some, mainly younger generation millennials, the historical milestone and impact of Rev. King’s birthday and his life achievements may not resonate so much as to those who were around when he fearlessly stood up to the establishment in the 1950s and 1960s embarking on his dream of securing equal rights and justice among America’s diverse races. As his birthday is again commemorated Rev. King may best be remembered for his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington for jobs and freedom in 1963.
The visionary leader’s speech at the height of the civil rights movement highlighting his vision for racial equality in America inspired millions from all races.
It’s ironic after all the optimism the speech created then, and the resulting success King realized in the passage of the Voting Rights and Civil Rights Act in 1965, King’s dream of a racially united nation is still relatively elusive.
Perhaps, if Rev. King was around today he would believe he failed in his ambitions for an America where the races live and work together in harmony.
When he made the memorable speech, the racial divide in America was very stark, especially in the southern states, including Florida. African Americans struggled to be recognized; to have access to hotels, restaurants and movie theaters; and attend schools or colleges which previously accepted only white students.
Believing in the creed stated in the American constitution that “All men are born equal” it was King’s quest that these words be lived, and real racial and economic freedom and equality be achieved in America.
Sixty-years later it would be disingenuous to say black people in America haven’t made significant social and economic progress. There are more liberties blacks currently enjoy that could even be contemplated in1963. But there are still too many overt and covert forces that continue to keep black and white races apart. Moreover, undoubtedly, the gulf between some white and black communities has widened.
On reflection, Black America misread the significance of Barak Obama’s election in 2008 as America’s first Black president. Most Blacks, in their elation, saw this as a manifestation of King’s dream with a coalition of races electing a Black man.
However, this historical election unveiled the camouflage covering racism in America, exposing the sad truth that a large percentage of Americans were aggressively opposed to racial equality. Especially, it disclosed the majority of the white Americans resisted a president who emerged from a once ostracized minority race.
Since Obama’s election, more evidence of America’s deep racism was revealed. This ranged from disrespect for him as president; attempts to block the registration of Black voters and obstacles placed before those with the right to vote; the spread of low-income Black communities characterized by inadequate housing and high employment; the deterioration in the criminal justice system reflected in continued imbalance between the incarceration of Black youth compared to white youth; and, and most disconcerting, the decline in the relationships between some white law enforcement officers and Black residents in several communities.
Sadly, instead of focusing on building bridges to improve the relationship between the races, some politicians today target support from Black voters solely for political gain. However, by doing this, these politicians may not be even aware they have increased the power of Black voters.
It’s a fact that in several voting districts in America, and definitely in the presidential election, candidates will be unlikely to succeed in their election bid without the support of the Black vote. In South Florida Black voters, mostly concentrated in Broward and Palm Beach counties, are one of the most important voting blocs nationally.
As candidates compete for the Black vote, it’s a perfect opportunity for these voters to ensure the issues that are crucial to their economic and social wellbeing are the focus of the candidates, and election promises are not used just to bribe their votes.
This is why it’s important Blacks must continue to register to vote and vote heavily in future elections. The Black vote is more than a means of electing officials who Blacks believe will support them. It’s definitely a potential path to racial equality.
The voting rights Dr. King succeeded in obtaining in1965 could be the real link to the racial equality he envisioned in 1963. The more influential the Black vote becomes is the more elected officials should begin focusing on meeting demands from the Black community, ensuring the policies that are implemented are more equitable across the races.
Rev. King’s dream for racial equality has not been fulfilled yet. But there’s hope as more American Blacks ascend to higher positions of leadership, and the Black vote grows in importance the dream will be realized sooner than later.
