The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that justice is a moral virtue that disposes man to respect the rights of others, and promotes harmony within the human family. When this virtue is ignored, fundamental human rights such as self dignity and freedom are violated. In the United States, the painful history of racial discrimination is an example of the breach of justice. From the 1620s until the 1950s, justice was frequently missing in racial relations. As the civil rights movement began to build momentum in the 1950s, a young African American minister in Atlanta became a leader and spokesman for the movement. This charismatic young preacher’s name was Martin Luther King Jr.
Born in 1929, Martin’s father was a famous minister in Atlanta. Experiencing racism as a youth, Martin decided to become a minister and spread the Word of God. Believing that love could conquer hate, and nonviolent protest could change hardened hearts, the younger King began his mission of transforming the United States.
In 1955, the first major event in this process occurred. It was the Montgomery, Alabama Bus Boycott. In the segregated South of the 1950s, black people were routinely required by law to defer to white people. One day, a black woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. She was then arrested for breaking the law. In response, Dr. King led a boycott of the bus company by African Americans in Montgomery. The boycott lasted for more than a year. During this frightening time, Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed for his leadership in the boycott. Though very difficult, the laws began to slowly change, and racial justice started making its way into the legal system of the United States.
In the succeeding years, Dr. King was involved in repeated attempts to change racial bigotry and hatred in the United States. During many painful and trying times, he was frequently arrested and incarcerated. But while in jail and upon being released, his message never varied: love can overcome hate, and justice can replace bigotry. Aided by his beautiful and gifted wife, Coretta Scott King, Dr. King worked throughout his life to break down the walls of ignorance and prejudice.
What famous speech did Dr. King give in Washington that energized the country? What illustrious award was given to him for his tireless work for equality? How did his death traumatize and yet compel the United States to change into a freer, better, more just society? How many examples of Dr. King’s vision are still molding our lives today? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “I’ve Seen the Promised Land: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” by Walter Dean Myers.
Walter Dean Myers is a brilliant writer of children’s and adolescent literature. His books are filled with examples of dignity and respect for others. While he frequently details the painful realities of racial discrimination in our society, he always develops the concepts of hope and forgiveness. This book is a valuable introduction to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a testimony of how far the United States has moved in the last 50 years.
St. Matthew writes that “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” (Mt 5: 6) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived this divine statement, and the United States is the better for it.
