Member Submission by Don: Fearless Group, Martin Luther King, 2022

The theme of this week’s Fearless group was, “What can we learn from the civil rights movement, as well as from one another?” As a group we brainstormed possible answers to those questions. We offered our experiences as part of the quest for answers. We recognized we are a diverse group; we represent different ethnic and racial backgrounds. And that diversity brings with it strength that we would not otherwise possess.

We shared ideas of how to break down the barriers of those who are prejudiced against us. Perhaps “break down” is too strong; it is more likely that we will gradually dismantle the walls. That happens one brick at a time, by acts of kindness and connection, as well as fearless activism in the public arena. We can be good listeners and observers, but also speak the truth in love. We may find loose bricks—obstacles to harmony—that can readily be removed from the wall that divides us from our communities.

We also can invite others to come to the wall and speak their fears. Then perhaps they can hear a story that differs from their prejudices: our story. Stories united people of color and also connected the civil rights movement with many other Americans. Who can forget Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, The Freedom March on Washington D. C., bus boycotts led by Dr. King and Ralph Abernathy, or the four girls killed in the bombing of a church in Birmingham? We, too, must tell our stories!

The slow pace of change is an important lesson from the civil rights movement. It took a century after the end of slavery for Americans to become more sensitive to the civil rights of minorities. It will take time for us to succeed as well. We must learn what works and what does not. For example, we know that violence hinders a cause while non-violence provided space for change. Dr. King and Gandhi taught us that principle long ago.

And what of the politics of change? Both major political parties have foundations of liberty for all. But that freedom has been usurped by harsh, unbending registrant laws that are based upon prejudice and ignorance. The police, the courts, and the public too often have been co-opted by such laws. The laws passed by both political parties have not worked because they are non-solutions to non-existent problems.

Such laws bring a false security to the many (life always involves risk) and suffering and pain to the few: registrants and their families. Yes, some registrants are dangerous, but why place shackles on a thousand for the deeds of a dozen? The high ethical principles of both political parties should challenge such injustice. And the public must come to see that any politician who ignores the basic principle of liberty is likely to find repression a useful tool to control any person he or she wishes. It is always easier for citizens to lose freedoms than to re-gain them.

We must learn from one another. We are engaged in a battle for basic human rights. There are important leaders and teachers among us; indeed we can all be instructors as well as learners. We need to listen to one another, and learn how to do this important task of removing the walls. We must work together as one. We must be united, even though we are different. And we must be fearless—always fearless—in the battles before us.

I believe, with the civil rights leaders of the past, that “we will overcome some day.” Injustices can be reduced. Fears can be relieved. And false barriers can be removed. But if we truly desire change, we cannot wait in the shadows for it to happen. The ancient philosopher Plato suggested that we must step out of the shadows and be people of the day, bringing light into darkness. We have the opportunity to change our part of the world, one person at a time, one day at a time. And that is the challenge before us.