Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Honestly, I have never felt this personally connected to a national holiday– the day we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! It has been a very emotional weekend for me, all good vibes, by the way. I’ve been in the midst of greatness, I’ve witnessed history, I’ve seen the glory, I’ve marched the same long mile(s) as many of our greatest Civil Rights Leaders– all in one weekend!
I’ve deemed this year as the Official year of the glow up. A year to finally embrace my true self, so that I can attract what I want in life, while evolving into the woman God has called me to be. This weekend–and also the first holiday in 2017– was a perfect example of what it looks like to Glow, Up! Above it all, my goal is to serve in a way that truly helps change lives and impact change within our community, and in this crazy world.
Keep Your Legacy in Mind.
The timing of this particular Sunday is also unique–as it fell on the first day of the week our Dear America, will inaugurate President-Elect Trump. Isn’t that ironic? Our Pastor shared many gems with us as we reflected on the legacy of Dr. MLK, while finding ourselves getting in formation for the Trump Administration.
Here’s a thought that really touched me:
Faith. Keep your faith, and know that God is in control. In the book of Revelation 21, the text teaches us about there being a New Heaven and Earth created, because the old one was in complete turmoil. Yet, God, the Alpha and Omega, came for His people and made all things new!
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” –Revelation 21:3
Same purpose, different approach.
Whether you subscribe to the idea of nonviolence, or a more direct-contact approach to fighting the cause– the fact that you are ready to fight is what matters most. We rarely have a conversation about Dr. MLK without mention of the late, Malcolm X, whom also garnered a generous following of people seeking equality and justice during the Civil Rights Movement. I had the honor of meeting his daughter, IIyasah Al-Shabazz after service at Ebenezer Baptist Church this past Sunday, and I was overjoyed!
Can you tell by my big smile or the shimmer on my head? The Glow is Real!
Unity March 2017 presented by the NAACP, Atlanta.
Here’s the icing on the cake! Today, I took part in the largest unity march dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Unity March, presented by the NAACP, Atlanta Chapter. All shades, all ages, all colors, all people—joined as one to march from downtown Peachtree Street to the Historic Dr. MLK National Site, home of Ebenezer Baptist Church, the King Memorial Center, and a walk away from the birth home of Dr. King.
Miles of fellow Atlanta residents, coming together as one—it was beautiful.
Perhaps another reason I feel so connected to this year’s MLK Day because this is my neighborhood, it’s where I dwell day and night. I reside in the historic Farlie-Poplar district, and the march was right outside of my loft. Of course, I’m there.. front and center!
It’s empowering to see the people who call Atlanta home, coming together to show their love for Atlanta; District 5 to be exact!
Overall, this particular Martin Luther King Weekend, casually known as “MLK Weekend” was one for the books! I’ve been inspired to stay involved in the community I live in, along with being a voice in the rapid changes taking place throughout Atlanta. Over the years, this day has evolved into a day of service. A day to give back to your community as an effort to continue the legacy of Dr. King.
How did you honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weeked?
This last image I came across over the weekend, is also historic, iconic, legendary….. and for the culture!
Giselle Avenue 