"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” – Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Last week I was given the opportunity to share in the spirit of the Freedom Riders as I sang with the "Let Freedom Ring!" choir that performs annually at the Kennedy Center to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Our opening song, "Buses Are A-Comin’," transported the audience, along with myself, back to the 1961 jail cells of Jackson, Mississippi, where the song was created by members of the Freedom Riders. Risking their lives, this courageous group of citizens became soldiers fighting a nonviolent war – diverse in race, gender, and socioeconomic status, but united in their unwavering demand for equal rights. In their quest for social justice they were met with bats and lead pipes, beatings and racial slurs. Jailed, but not broken, their spirit intact, they remained strong as they sang, "you can lock us up, but you can't stop the movement.” And that night, at the Kennedy Center, we sang not only to rejoice at the progress that has been made, but also to remember that the movement is still very much alive.
Last week I was given the opportunity to share in the spirit of the Freedom Riders as I sang with the "Let Freedom Ring!" choir that performs annually at the Kennedy Center to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Our opening song, "Buses Are A-Comin’," transported the audience, along with myself, back to the 1961 jail cells of Jackson, Mississippi, where the song was created by members of the Freedom Riders. Risking their lives, this courageous group of citizens became soldiers fighting a nonviolent war – diverse in race, gender, and socioeconomic status, but united in their unwavering demand for equal rights. In their quest for social justice they were met with bats and lead pipes, beatings and racial slurs. Jailed, but not broken, their spirit intact, they remained strong as they sang, "you can lock us up, but you can't stop the movement.” And that night, at the Kennedy Center, we sang not only to rejoice at the progress that has been made, but also to remember that the movement is still very much alive.
That evening, as Clarence B. Jones accepted the Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award for his work with Martin Luther King Jr., he reminded us that progress requires focused and continued effort on our part and a willingness to travel a not so smooth road. In echoing Dr. King’s words, he encouraged us to be the voice for those that are voiceless and to acknowledge that it is our moral responsibility to teach acceptance, celebrate freedom, and engage in discussions that promote movement toward greater social justice. So as we reflect on the direction of our country’s discourse, let us remember the visions of freedom, equality, and liberty that founded our great nation.
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