BE LIKE MIKE

by Aaron Freeman

Michael Lewis King was known to most of the world as Martin Luther King. Michael Lewis changed his name to Martin Luther in honor of the sixteenth century protestant theologian. Michael Lewis King, by his works made the name Martin Luther synonymous with non-violent protest, political activism and the struggle for civil rights. He worked so hard and well that his birthday, January 15, has been designated a national holiday -- but what does that mean? What are we supposed to do about it?

The traditional view of a holiday is one on which no work is done. But I don't think that's the appropriate way to honor Dr. King. I'm all for listening to the speech one more time The dream has lost little of its power to inspire. To this day you can not help but be moved by his vision and eloquence but don't let it stop there. On King day get up early in the morning and listen to the speech on Public Radio then let it move you to action after breakfast.

You want to honor Michael Lewis/Martin Luther King? Contribute to his life's work. Get up from the TV or the radio, with the rhetoric still ringing in your ears, and ask yourself what would he do in this town, in this neighborhood today, right now? Are their people homeless where you live, how 'bout feeding a couple of them? Maybe you have an extra few blankets or some warm clothes, how about sharing them in Dr. King's name. Why not volunteer at a shelter? Or, more controversially, if you're pro choice, go help protect a clinic, pro life go try to shut one down, but do something, get out of your house, get involved, make a difference. One motivated person can make a huge difference, you know, like Dr. King. Make it a game for yourself, see how much good you can do for your community in a single day. You know that's what Dr. King would be doing. You'll be surprised how effective and useful you can be to the world in a single day, and hey, you might even like it.

Holidays are traditionally a time to spend with family, great how much better to involve you kids in a struggle for righteousness. There are always everywhere, in every community, people toiling against the odds to so something that you want done; pack up the family and join them, if just for the day. You don't have to risk you life and safety, Dr. King moved a nation with his words. You can create for the world a new essay on the importance of the struggle for civil rights, or a poem about what activism means to you.

You don't get the day off from work? You say you're bedridden, inarticulate, your pencil just isn't sharp enough? You know somebody in your community fighting a good fight for something you believe in, or you know of somebody, pick up the phone and let them know their efforts are appreciated, thank them for their labors, a few kind words can make all the difference to a beleaguered activist.

To honor the King holiday don't just lay around and eat one more gigantic meal and watch yet more television, do what he did, get out of the house and struggle for something that's worth it, be a part of the solution, use the time to make the world a slightly better place, take the kind of action that would make Michael Lewis King proud; in other words; Be Like Mike.

 

© 2001 Aaron Freeman