Yesterday, Nia and I went to see the new Martin Luther King Jr. memorial down on the national mall. It was an interesting experience that I thought I’d share with you.
As I was traveling on the metro subway to get to the memorial, I was a little apprehensive. I had heard about all the controversy surrounding the sculptor, the stone used and the mis-quote… my expectation was rather low. I also was contemplating how Dr. King would feel today if he were here to see the state of our country. I shutter to think what he would say to those forces in our country seeking to destroy, instead of build. But, I didn’t want to spoil the experience for Nia, so I kept quiet and walked to the memorial.
When we arrived, I got really excited. Thousands of people were there. The memorial is beautiful. I felt a real sense of pride and accomplishment. Ofourse, I read about the civil rights movement in school, but did not remember it first hand. However, at the memorial, I immediately felt connected to the energy that must of been pervasive during the civil rights era when thousands of people marched, were hosed, beaten, arrested and even died to make this day a reality for me and my daughter. I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities they had given to my generation, and other generations ahead of me.
However, Nia being a typical nine year old, didn’t see it that way. She didn’t want to take the time to read and discuss the numerous quotes that were enscribed in the stone of the memorial. (Ofcourse, I made her read them anyway!) Instead, she wanted to play in the water fall! I got a little frustrated with her behavior and started scolding her. I told her she needed to understand what this memorial is all about and she is being disrespectful to the many who made sacrifices so that she has the freedoms she enjoys today. (I also compromised and promised her that if she read the quotes and reflected on their meaning, I’d give her a few minutes to play in the water… it was a hot day (smile))
It just so happened that a lady was walking by and heard my scolding. She gave me the look. “Let me handle this Mom,” her eyes said to me; as I looked at her and told Nia to listen to her…. You will hear her words in this short video.
Well, after that Nia calmed down and began to understand the importance of the day and the memorial. I then was reminded of the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child” and was so happy that “Auntie” stepped in to help me out at that moment.
That’s what it’s all about family… Coming together, giving each other strength, power and using our collective voices to speak, engage, educate and advocate. All the things Dr. King believed we would reach.
Enjoy your holiday, and please continue to help our children…. Be it your child, or someone elses’. We must all do our part.
Peace and Blessings,
TDanyel
