“Power without love is reckless & abusive,
& love without power is sentimental & anemic.
Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice
& justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”
– Dr. King
Or, as my friend Dylan posted on Facebook:
Spend this day in reflection.
Put no words in Dr. King’s mouth and make no assumptions that he would be on your side if he was alive this day; dead men can neither dispute words nor defend deeds. Create no saints where there was only a brave, fragile human who spoke for justice at his peril and ultimately to his demise.
Above all, remember the work that must be done tomorrow, for while Dr. King gave us momentum there is still so much left to do, so many challenges yet to come. May we share his strength and bravery as we act justly in the face of injustice, and in doing so honor his legacy more than any statue or holiday could attempt.
Indeed. That last bit would make a lovely start to any meeting, or any day.