Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
Courtesy: xlensic and Pixabay.com
Today is Martin Dr. Luther King Day. Our national celebration honoring the efforts and sacrifice of a genuine American hero. It is significant that we say his name, Martin Luther King, today. Because once again, we are involved in a fierce struggle against Racism and Authoritarianism. MLK’s words are being repeated across the US and the World. Words of clarity and inspiration.
Today, my city, Minneapolis, and my state, Minnesota, are under assault by ICE agents who are running roughshod over the most vulnerable of our friends and neighbors. Minnesotans have had their homes invaded. Our neighbors have been kidnapped, threatened, beat, injured, attacked with chemical weapons, and shot. One has been killed. Say her name, Rene Good. This bloody rampage goes on across our beautiful state and nation.
Here in the Twin Cities, a humble middle school teacher spoke to his class the day after Rene Good’s death. Amidst the turmoil, he gave his students a clear message of respect and love.
The spirit of Martin Luther King lives on in this teacher’s simple message to his students. Minnesota is dedicated to rule of law. Minneapolis is committed to the peaceful struggle against racism and brutality.
I am proud of what Minnesotans are doing to push back against the darkness that threatens us today.
Here is a link to the recording: A Simple Message.
Here is the transcript of a teacher’s message.
“Those of you in my homeroom, I apologize in advance for some repetitions. But, what happened yesterday needs to be briefly discussed. Here’s what I’ve got to say. I would not be doing my duty as a Teacher nor a Human Being, if I did not address what happened yesterday in our state and city.
I’m not a politician, I’m not the principal of the school, I’m not a community leader. I’m just a dude who teaches and might sing a song on the side, right? But this has to be addressed here. I would not be doing my duty as a teacher or a human being. If there’s one teacher to bring it up, it might as well be me. What happened was deplorable, disgusting, unacceptable. And shocking, to say the least.
So, I wanted to just tell you that you’re safe, you are seen, you are heard, you are known, you are respected, you are trusted, and you are loved. I care very much about each and every one of you. So much so that when I learned about this, I just had a heavy heart all day yesterday. To be honest, I felt sick. I felt really dizzy too. I don’t know if that was weird.
Couple weeks ago. My girlfriend, who had moved up here a couple of months ago, brought to my attention that hey, you know that Mexico flag that you fly in front of your house, which I do. Excellent American flag, she said. ‘You might want to think about taking it down.’ Because she’s afraid that ICE might take notice.
It just so happens a few weeks ago there was a woman outside taking photos of a bunch of houses. She didn’t look like an ICE agent. Could have just been some lady taking photos. It was then that I took the flag down out of well … just being careful. Doesn’t mean I love Mexico any less. I’ve been there about 6 times. I’m fortunate. We’ve got a flag in here. We got a flag right there. I have a flag at home. I was in Mexico in 1986 when they hosted the World Cup.
So. It’s not just Mexico though. I mean it’s all nations.
My car is in the shop, so I’ve actually had to hire a Lyft every morning and every afternoon twice a day this week. Not a huge deal. But after what happened yesterday and I got into the Lyft. (I don’t take Uber because the CEO was a creep. Look it up.) We’re gonna keep it good. So, I take Lyft and I get in the car, and I check out my phone. I was just messing around, usually Instagram.
I just watched the reels. (I don’t post anything.) And they make me laugh. It’s a lot of cats and people like wiping out. It’s Funny. Well, what I saw was anything but funny. It was the footage of what happened. And I just almost, you know, got sick on the spot, to be honest.
I get in the car. We’re going home and it just occurs to me, all of a sudden, wait a minute. My driver is East African. And then I just start looking around, all of a sudden, like. Is there a car following? You know, all of a sudden, my safety came to my mind, and I was like, man, this is just madness.
So, I feel like it’s my duty to just remind you that you are seen, heard, known, trusted, respected, and loved. And above all, the last thing I want to say is; keep going strong with your education. Because we’re gonna rely on you to be the adults one day. So, keep going strong. Keep doing your studies, no matter how annoying they can get. This knowledge is power, and you wanna be powerful. And you are, because you’re my students.
You understand?”
Notes:
I have not used my friend’s name because MAGA and the Trump Administration can not be trusted. Others have been hounded by them. I wish to respect his privacy.
In addition, my friend and his students were effected by the shooting in September at a sister school, Annunciation.
Stay strong Minneapolis!