There's so much to be said on the anniversary of MLK's death. The failure of the Civil Rights movement to negotiate real power, the uselessness of the organizations left in its wake, the complacency of many of us to hold them accountable in a meaningful way, the marginalization of womens' contributions from the unknown laundress to Ella Baker, the dirty politics that forced Bayard Rustin out because he was gay and what else? Oh yeah, the Messiah Complex most people have in elevating individuals not concepts. Let's not forget all the bandwagon jumpers who claimed to have been in support after the fact. The wives who had to be just as courageous and fend off the leeches, groupies and malcontents. King wasn't perfect but his contributions were vast. Let's not forget where we've come to and how far we still have to go.
I can't find live video of Sam Cooke singing his classic song, but I found Luther! WOOt.
Without doubt that is one of my fav songs of all time. I didn't know that Luther had a version out there. You know I will be humming this all night.
ReplyDelete