Happy MLK Day
What I'm Learning From Today
Hi everyone! Back already to take a moment to celebrate and memorialize this very important day by committing again to constant learning, humility, and contribution.
It’s kind of weird as a white girl being like, “Listen to what I think you should do today.” I really don’t want to center myself today, because all this work belongs to others. But I do think we white folks have got to step in and do the work of educating ourselves. I’m grateful for every moment of generosity when someone who wasn’t white stepped in to help me learn.
And, of course, this being a pop culture place, we’ll do some pop culture recs. I think culture gives such an abundance mindset!
Please feel free to make this a mutual space of learning and share your favorite resources with me, privately or publicly. I’d like to keep expanding always! Not to quote Ebeneezer Scrooge, but may I commit to honoring this day in my heart and trying to keep it all the year. <3
To Follow
Dr. Bernice A. King, MLK’s daughter, a lawyer, activist, and CEO of The King Center
Danielle Coke/OhHappyDani - for awesome, uplifting art
Truth’s Table - for anyone looking for a religious group to follow
Essence - for pop culture!
To Watch
Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech, of course.
“I Be Knowin’” — Amanda Seales’ fabulous standup special on HBO. I cry with laughter every time she describes the deer-in-the-headlights look on the white activists in the room the first time they hear the Black National Anthem. [Girl, that was ME in 2013 in a conference room at The Bowery Mission! I admit it!!]
Speaking of the Black National Anthem, please stand with me as we observe our annual tradition of rewatching Beyoncé’s performance at Coachella: “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” Start at about 9 minutes in to watch just that song, or start a little earlier at bout 7:15 to get “Freedom,” too, and the full effect of the dramatic mood change. [And good luck ever stopping!]
To Listen To
“Mass Incarceration” episode from Throughline — a great podcast on U.S. history by NPR. This is the 23rd episode but the first one I listened to, and I’m revisiting it this MLK weekend.
For a lighter, shorter listen, put on Stevie Wonder’s version of “Happy Birthday,” which you might not know he actually wrote in honor of Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday! It was part of an organized effort to get the day recognized as a national holiday. Go, Mr. Wonder!
Armchair Expert’s most recent episode featuring Stacey Abrams, whose work helping minorities gain fair access to voting is directly in line with the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dissect Podcast, going deep on some of the best music of our time. My favorite seasons are Season 1 on Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and Season 6 on Beyoncé’s Lemonade. [This podcast is why I know so much about the Nicki
Minaj verse on Kanye’s “Monster.” That was from Season 2!)
To Read
Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Dr. King.
EJI’s truly impressive webpage outlining the history of race and racism in the United States.
The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Very long article, but very, very worth the time.
To Donate
Because your heart is where your treasure is, etc etc, and if we aren’t putting money and personal assets behind our intentions, what are we doing??
The Equal Justice Initiative, mentioned above, is amazing.
The King Center, MLK’s family continuing his legacy.
Research some organizations near you that are working toward equality and justice for all. Volunteer or donate!