RESILIENCE

Me and Mom

On this MLK day, I am reflecting on the servant leadership of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  He would have been 95 years old today.  His incredible legacy and tireless work to create a beloved community that centers justice, love and humility is a role model for us all.

At 96 years old, one of the most resilient women I know is my mother-in-law, Mildred.  Her family was part of the Great Migration moving north from Alabama to have access to opportunities to create a better life for the family.  I love to hear her stories about being involved in the Civil Rights Movement and how she attended the March on Washington in D.C. on August 28, 1963.

She took a four-hour train ride to hear Dr. King and recalls what a magnificent speaker he was.  She shares that it was peaceful and wonderful to be amongst the crowd that day.  Her community activist group had to bring their own meals because they weren’t sure where they would be able to purchase any food.  At the end of the day, she took the long ride back home, but said that it was important for her to be present to be part of the fight to end discriminatory practices in her own community.

I know that I stand on the strong shoulders of activists within my own family as well as Dr. King.  They pushed, persevered, and questioned existing norms to change mindsets that said no to segregation.  I can’t imagine having to plan ahead on where to eat, sleep or buy food or gas when traveling because I wasn’t allowed legally.  I am grateful for their resiliency that now allows me to create equitable spaces where all are welcomed. 

 Thanks Mom for your grit, determination, strong voice, tireless sacrifices and unwavering commitment to make a better future for our family!