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I often take for granted the freedom we have as Americans. Being able to say what I want and pursue my dreams freely is something many people do not have the opportunity, or even the right, to do. I watched Selma yesterday. I highly recommend the movie and can understand why it’s won so many awards. It’s a powerful, beautifully depicted movie about the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches.

People gave their lives to be able to vote and it’s easy to let the true meaning of a holiday be lost in favor of having a day off to enjoy. As great as a long weekend is, today should be about dignity, equality, and being a human being to other human beings. Make a conscious effort to love your neighbors as you love yourself. Show hospitality. Stand up for what you believe in. Staying silent is just as damaging as letting ignorance speak. Do something today to make things better; if we all do a little, we can make a big difference together.

The past year brought into perspective that our Civil Rights past isn’t all that past. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. It’s our responsibility to keep the conversation and actions going. The generation before us took to the streets so that Americans today wouldn’t have to, but fast forward 50 years from Selma and we are at another tipping point. It’s up to all of us to tip over onto the right side: I know we can do it.

Happy MLK Day! Thank you Dr. King for pushing forward and showing us that a dream isn’t just a dream: it can be a reality.

~Sue