We're not there yet, but we're on our way: reflections at the wreath laying at the King Center

April 4th means different things to different people, ranging from 404 Day to the birthday of Dr. Maya Angelou.

But for others, it truly is a day of reflection, especially for those who gathered at the King Center.

April 4, 1968 is the day Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is assassinated in Memphis, TN. Taking place just before a march is scheduled in the city in support of the AFSCME Local 1733 strike, the focus areas of the strike (improved working and paying conditions for sanitation workers, as two Black workers die on the job due to unsafe and low-paying conditions) align with the civil and labor rights pillars of Dr. King's Poor People's Campaign.

On a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon, Bernice King (the CEO of The King Center), along with members of her family, take time to simply reflect and share on the importance of the day along with the days ahead.

During her conversation with those in attendance, Ms. King admitted the mixed emotions she has 58 years after the day, but still affirmatively speaks to the issues at hand. Ranging from global situations (such as Iran and Palestine) to growing concerns in the US, she speaks to how encompassing more of a DI perspective (Divine Intelligence) can better address and combat the triple ills her father references (poverty, racism, and militarism). Her remarks provide a sense of balance and understanding of simply "heeding the call" (you may watch an excerpt in the segment below):

Beyond heeding the call, Ms. King emphasizes the importance of all to take inventory of the influence they have in the multiple spaces and places they are in. In asking all to pledge and truly take heart of the words and ideals of Dr. King, the potential for an improved means of combating societal challenges can take place (you may watch the video below for a point of reference):

In drawing the reflection time to a close, the call for prayer provides reminders of the purpose of the day. It also provides a sense of perspective, hope, faith, and focus in knowing and noting that while we count numbers, there's a higher authority who makes numbers count.

As the saying goes, "We're not there yet, but we're on our way".

Notes: You may watch our playlist (click HERE) for video we're able to capture from the event. To learn more about the work of The King Center, you are encouraged to visit their website (click HERE).