Although the question is begged ... what role would he play in today's (allegedly) post-racial America?
I've been quick to suggest that part of the issue appears to be a lack of leadership *within* the community to combat the disintegration of the family and the violence and the gang activity that seems to rob so many of the chance to dream as MLK dreamed. (For an interesting counter to that argument, see the article below that speaks to a millennial view that is closer to the color-blind future that was predicted.)
Regardless, when I went looking for the words of his that I thought would most resonate today, when writ large in 2015 ... to extend beyond the classic civil rights struggle ... to ring true for today's equality issues for all groups ... and to challenge those within the greater community that truly sees no color and includes the *all* of us ... it was this reminder that silence from the many can be more harmful than the verbal barbs of hatred from the few.
Words of wisdom from the man we honor today that hopefully encourage you to find your voice, from the leader of yesteryear who is surely missed.
SILENCE IS MORE DANGEROUS:
http://www.ted.com/talks/clint_smith_the_danger_of_silence/transcript?language=en
A POST-MODERN REPLY TO THE QUESTION I OFTEN POSE:
http://mic.com/articles/13515/the-crisis-of-black-leadership-as-old-hands-like-al-sharpton-show-their-age-who-will-take-up-the-reins
THE TRANSFORMATION OF TODAY INTO A DAY OF SERVICE:
http://www.bostonglobe.com/2015/01/18/how-did-mlk-day-become-day-service/1dpwK2BYFREhQ7lPPPSFOL/story.html
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