The Relevance of Martin Luther King for this Historical Time

Martin Luther King helped to change the World. Today we celebrate and honor the life and accomplishments of Dr. King. King was an influential civil rights preacher, a fighter for dignity and change in the rule of law in the face of great discrimination.

Undoubtedly, he was a hero for all he did. He changed History. But what King did and fought for hasn’t ended. Now more than ever, we need to follow King’s steps and become advocates for Humans Rights. 

I am honored to interview Dr. Luis G. Collazo today to talk about Martin Luther King’s pertinence in this time. Dr. Luis G. Collazo is a jubilated Professor from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico Arecibo, poet, editor, essayist, and preacher. 

Question: How pertinent is King’s message for today when it comes to social justice?

Answer:  The message of Martin Luther King is very pertinent for today because it links the gospel with the need for a different social profile and the urgency of a church militancy in favors of racial and social justice.

Question: King fought radically against systemic racism and white supremacy. Today these issues are still ongoing. There is a wave of citizens who remain neutral or merely offer comfort in the face of racism. What did King said and did about racism, and does that encourage it? 

Answer:  For King, racism was a sin and an ugly social injustice. Racism destroys democracy and social bonds. It is also a way to perpetuate economic exploitation and systemic discrimination. People who support white supremacy suffer a deficit of emotional intelligence. The USA needs a real ethical and spiritual transformation.

Question: Inequality is getting worse in America. In terms of not only wealth but on the care and access that people get to have. This pandemic has clearly shown how if someone has money and a “higher status.” everything changes. The amount of importance and respect is not the same for someone with money and for someone who doesn’t. How did King fought and advocated against inequality? 

Answer:  Rev. King organized a crusade against racism and economic injustice. Besides, he developed a campaign to educate and empower poor people on the inequity of racism and economic exploitation in a capitalist system. On this journey, he also organized marches, strikes, and the religious coalition against racism.

Question: What is a quote or something from King that everyone should learn and take with them? 

I Have a Dream is the most popular message that people read from him. That sermon encourages people to struggle peacefully against any form of social injustice and political exclusion. “We shall overcome “is a hymn that served as an icon of hope and determination. I recommend both to everyone. 

We are going through a terrible pandemic, a worsening economy, climate change, hate, racism, and inequality all over the World. Martin Luther King had a say on all of these issues in the past, but they still resonate with us today. 

Everyone should learn more about Martin Luther King and everything he did. Today we commemorate him, but we should honor him every day with our actions.

Promote equality and justice for everyone. Fight for human rights. Do what’s right. If we all did this, if we all had the same dream as King, our World would be very different.