One of my favorite quotes from the late Martin Luther King, Jr. is this one:
The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.
At face value it seems to reassure us in hard times that all is not lost. There is hope. But, as we move into a time where the status quo is clearly both a rejection of morality and a mockery of justice, I am reminded that, if the arc of the moral universe is going to bend at all it will be because we bend it. We must struggle with it, wrestle with it, defend it. It will not bend towards justice all by itself.
For many white people, thoughts of racial justice and equality are something “nice to do.” As much as we think we are making these goals a priority within our minds we often do not truly make it our struggle. Issues of race are uncomfortable to talk about and we would much rather feel we are surrounded by by like minded do-gooders so that we can just relax and not think about it.
This is not enough. Especially now where the doors of government have been opened to people who are actively hostile to anti racist ideas and the goals of racial justice, equity, and inclusion are clearly under attack.
If you’re looking for some ways to bend that arc, you have some local opportunities this weekend.
Today from 10 - 2 at the Harriet Tubman Center the State Commission on Lynching will hold a required hearing on Howard County lynchings. This event will be held in person as well as live streamed.
From the Howard County Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation page:
On Saturday January 11, 2025 the state commission on lynching will be conducting their required public hearing regarding Howard County lynchings. This is the flier created by them for the event. The following are confirmed speakers: a descendant of the Henson family, Del. Terri Hill (proponent p/supporter of the legislation that created the commission), Sen. (Ret.)
Michael Bowen Mitchell (ancestor came to HoC to help set up NAACP chapter), Howard County State's Attorney Rich Gibson (speaking about mob violence, rule of law, etc then and now), and others. County history of mob violence in the form of lynching will of course be given at this hearing in which testimony will be given and solicited also from attendees to the commissioners for purposes of the final report they must give to the Governor. Come learn what has been uncovered by research regarding this topic of county history. If YOU have something you'd like to contribute, please plan on attending either in person or virtually.
This link explains more about the event and how to register:
Maryland Lynching Memorial Project
UPDATE: The state commission was advised this morning that the county is under a snow emergency plan. Tubman building is not open. As of right now, it’s been moved to 1130 today (virtua) pending hearing from our presenters to verify it still works for them. Will add info here when I know - - jam
This is exactly the kind of history that some folks are looking to suppress. Even in Maryland which some see as a securely “Blue” or left-leaning state, it has taken a huge amount of effort to bring this to fruition. There’s no guarantee that initiatives like these will continue if we don’t actively advocate for them and support them.
Tonight at Howard Community College, this year’s Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration.
When: Saturday, January 11, 6-8:30 pm Where: Horowitz Center Smith Theatre, HCC
Learn more at the Facebook event page. Register for your free tickets. This event will also be accessible via Facebook Live.
Tomorrow from 1-4 pm at the Harriet Tubman Center: the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
From the event page:
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) and the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission invite you to join us at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center for a Day of Service on Sunday January 12, and engage in meaningful service opportunities, education and projects that embody Dr. King's dedication to equality and social justice.
Attendees will be able to choose from several service opportunities, including the Kits to Heart program, where they can create Care Bear Towels and write and decorate handwritten letters for cancer care kits. The event will also host a Voter Registration Drive and a book display by the Howard County Library System and an MLK Read-In of works about Dr. King and the civil rights movement.
The Howard County MLK Holiday Commission will also be collecting non-perishable groceries, baby supplies and personal care items from 12:30-2:30p.m. at several area stores. Visit https:// www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE-mlk for the most up-to-date listing of participating stores.
To learn more and register, visit the eventbrite page for this event. Hear from members of the MLK Commission about the Day of Service.
This weekend gives us some very concrete examples of how we can remind ourselves to continually reset our inner moral compass so that we can actively engage in bending the arc towards justice. I’m so grateful that our community is committed to doing this work and providing opportunities to come together and learn together.
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