Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech from the 1963 March on Washington are synonymous with the struggle for civil rights. His legacy transcends generations and racial lines, celebrated worldwide by people of all backgrounds. Like other American icons—JFK, LBJ, or Malcolm X—history has shortened King’s name to initials that by themselves evoke deep meaning, regardless of one’s cultural or political affiliation.
Though not without flaws, Dr. King remains a symbol of intellect, charisma, and steadfast commitment to social change during a tumultuous period of racial division. His message was clear, passionate, and uncompromising, transcending cultural barriers. In many ways, he was the Thomas Edison of the 20th century, bringing light to a fractured society during a deeply dark time of division.
Growing up in a predominantly white suburban town near New York City as the son of a police detective, I initially struggled to relate to King. I was frustrated by the lack of compassion from national leaders amid the violence and civil unrest of the ’60s and skeptical of his pacifist approach. To my teenage self, it felt too passive.
However, my desire to understand different cultures led me to study African history and nomadic peoples. Eventually, I decided to travel to African to gain a deeper understanding of my cultural heritage. As I experienced my ancestral roots living among the Berber and Gnawa people of Morocco and studying the ancient philosophies of the Motherland, I frequently thought of King’s words: “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” I came back from Africa as a different person. King’s compassionate insight became more real to me than ever before, and my time with these indigenous people helped to shape the man I would become.
After returning to America and pursuing a career in the music industry, I continued to reflect on King’s message. His assassination in 1968 deeply affected me. As a young adult, I gained a newfound appreciation for his wisdom and the immense effort, intellect and zeal he put into uniting people across divisions in a non-violent manner.
Over time, I embraced this guiding principle: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” As I neared the end of my professional career, I returned to my family roots in Newport, applying King’s simple yet profound wisdom to my everyday world, and to my community.
I view MLK Day as both a personal and public day of reflection on his legacy. His words still guide me, especially in moments of ethical dilemma. As King said, “Perhaps the worst sin in life is knowing what’s right and not doing it,” and “The ultimate measure of a man [or woman] is not where [they] stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where [they] stand at times of challenge and controversy.” These are the lessons and legacies of Dr. King, and to me, they are as profound today as they were more than 50 years ago.
Charles L. Roberts is Executive Director and Founder of Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, www.rishm.org.
