Kindness and justice can change the world

By MARTIN LUTHER KING III

Special to The Capital-Journal

As we pause at the threshold of the new millennium, I realize that my father would have been 71 years old this month --- still relatively young in the world of ideas and conscience he inhabited and graced. But he is not at my side, and like so many Americans who have known personal loss, I miss him deeply.

I was a child when his life was taken. But somehow, I am certain in this first month of the 21st century that the lessons of his life and the transcendence of his spirit are as relevant, compelling and vigorous as ever.

My father believed not only in the effectiveness of non-violent protest, but in the power of kindness and justice to change the world. He was inspired by the simple courage and resonant decency of one woman who chose an empty seat at the front of a bus and rode into history. He believed in the power of men, women and children to follow Rosa Park's example by marching for justice in Montgomery, Ala., and making a dream come true in Washington, D.C.

My father was only 26 years old at the start of the Montgomery bus boycott. Many of his associates were even younger. His life taught us that ideas, no matter how noble, are inadequate if not made real by personal, direct action. He exemplified the wisdom that endurance builds character and character builds hope and that hope will not disappoint us. This is his legacy.

Starting this week, more than 2 million students across America will honor my father's life and legacy by performing acts of kindness (helping others) and justice (standing up for what is right) for two weeks following the Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday (Jan. 17- 28, 2000).

The Do Something Kindness and Justice Challenge, championed by high tech leader Applied Materials, teaches students from kindergarten to high school about the values my father lived and died for --- justice, compassion, kindness, non-violence, responsibility and moral courage --- and inspires them to put these values into practice in their homes, schools and communities. All teachers and students can participate by visiting Do Something's Web site (http:// www.dosomething.org).

Do Something's message to young people is simple: deliberately, thoughtfully, consciously and effectively stand up for what is right, help others and make a positive difference. It is not designed for the world to notice. Individual acts tend to play out on a more intimate stage for friends, family, neighbors.

Like Judy from Venice High School in Los Angeles who collected clothing to help the homeless in her neighborhood. Like Cassandre from Utah who visited a friend who was terminally ill, hugging her and helping her do things she couldn't do by herself. Like Sarah from Oklahoma who helped pack supplies for hurricane victims.

How bright are these individual lights. What a glow they shed, flickering across the land with the collective power to illuminate our future. These acts are contagious because they exist in our hearts as well as in the real world where our dreams show us the way toward a better society.

As we mark a new beginning this month, I like to think that one of these students will be the King and Gandhi and Mandela of the new century, awakening the conscience of the world through the power of their own vision and the example of a dedicated life.

While my father did not live to see the new millennium, he is with us, leading us and challenging us to make our fragile world a better place. Now we must inspire a new generation to carry the torch of leadership and community into the future --- ennobled and enriched by his undiminished dream.

Martin Luther King III, the eldest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and chair of the Do Something Kindness and Justice Challenge.

Copyright 2000
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.