Shoes on the ground

 Dear Dexter and Oliver,

I hope you guys never take Dr. King and the Civil Right movement for granted; as recently that in my lifetime it was illegal for interracial marriage in some of our United States (California struck down this law in 1948)- all the way up until 1967.  In other ways that some citizens are treated are separate and unequal was an accepted  practice, and still exists today.

    It's not just about about a dream, but more specifically a vision of what could be, what should be and honestly, what isn't.  So many good people,of different nationalities and gender placed their feet on the ground and walked to places they were not welcome, but had every right to visit- and many paid a bitter price for doing so.  I can't imagine resisting peacefully while hate filled folks struck you and those you cared for with pipes, spat on you, yelled at you.  This no longer will be or can be the way of today.  That was the decade of the pass; in that we will suffer from your blows in our nonviolent protest until it awakens the conscience of the country we share to bring us to a greater good.  If these lessons have not been learned, the future response will not be nonviolent.

     Our United States did learn from the Civil Rights movement but now as rogue police continually kill defenseless citizens and either are released from responsibility or with only minimal punishment, mistrust and divisions are created in our communities.  There is no better than a good police officer but nothing worse than a bad one.

     Some of the great leaders of the movement still exist among us and we can remember their courage and honor their sacrifices; Congressman John Lewis, Diane Nash are two individuals that continue to inspire. Dr. King died much too young, and I feel a little unsettled when his memory is simplified as just a dream and a holiday.  The call for days of service, movies like Selma are worthwhile efforts if we embrace them their meaning.  Some people strive for these values everyday and I am grateful for knowing them.  I hope too that you guys will seek to do the right thing, not just what benefits yourselves. When you see injustice, you will find a way to make it right. Be smart; protect yourselves and your family but don't look the other way. Be empathetic, care, and act.  I have confidence that you will.

Love,
Dad