Nonviolence or Nonexistence

[img_assist|nid=72462|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=75|height=100]I walked uphill on Auburn Avenue in August 2008 draped in sweat and a smile, in the direction of the Martin Luther King National Historic Site. I believe it is a path that every American, every race should walk.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site was established to preserve and interpret the places where Dr. King was born, worked, worshipped and buried. Places to visit include the Visitor Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, The King Center (Freedom Hall), Fire Station No. 6, Dr. King's Birth Home and the restored Birth Home Block.

The Site is deemed a National Park, and admission and parking is free. It is a hassle-free zone that has the potential to change one’s attitude and knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King, Jr. forever. Since the moment I stepped near the grounds, I was in awe of the true apostle of peace and the beloved man, Mr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Most of the park is self-guided and really should not be rushed. The rose garden is full of bright roses and poems of peace, endearingly written by elementary students within the Atlanta area. The Freedom Hall is filled with much memorabilia… timelines, audio, video and pictures of the walks, sit-ins, of those around the world fighting, joining a movement and seeking a leader MLK in the injustice of the decade.

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 The sound of his voice shouting the “I Have a Dream” speech, brought shivers to my spine and I attentively listened to his every word, like never before. I wanted to swallow his vibrance—passion-- if only it was like a daily vitamin. Although this character came at a price, with internal, mental and physical pain inflicted by a race that I sadly I am a part of.

I was encouraged to write messages of hope and thanks to MLK in notebooks throughout the Hall. Although I don’t remember the exact words I scribed, I thanked him for his steadfast leadership, courage and speeches. As a journalist, writer, blogger, speaker, I thanked him for his vocabulary, dictation, passion in every speech he wrote and spoke. I am grateful MLK continues to be a role model to me in my career, as an active citizen and as a peacemaker.

I believe I‘m making Dr. King’s dream a reality, because I signed a pledge for peace as I left the Freedom Hall. On a red piece of paper about the size of an index card, I committed to make his dream a part of my life. On my bulletin board at home , amidst my favorite quotes, family photos, cards and other tid bits, is a reminder of his Dream for the world, for America, for me.

Thank you, Dr. King. Thank you.