For what is embarrassingly the first time, I read Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter From Birmingham Jail" today. I always knew he was educated and eloquent, but I am infinitely humbled by the words he originally wrote in the margins of a newspaper while sitting in a jail cell. If you haven't read it, I strongly encourage you to do so. Here's the link.
The part that struck me the most, among the many incredibly impactful passages, were Dr. King's words below:
"I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizens Councillor or the Ku Klux Klanner but the white moderate who is more devoted to order than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says, "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can't agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically feels that he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by the myth of time; and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection."
I hope it's obvious why this is such an important passage, but in case it isn't, here's why it's important to me. We must be intentional with our actions if we actually want to change to happen. It's easy to get wrapped up in the spirit of a holiday, then get back into our daily routines and not work towards lasting change, both in ourselves and within our communities. MLK Day has been set aside as a day of service, with many organizations encouraging employees to volunteer on this day. While this is important, one or two days of service per year isn't how change is brought about. We must work to support our communities regularly and in ways that bring about the changes that those who have been systematically oppressed deserve. We cannot be effective from the middle.
So, why am I, a real estate agent who should be aiming to appeal to as many potential clients as possible, posting such a politically charged blog post instead of sharing pretty and inspiring quotes from Dr. King? Because I have chosen a side. Because the struggles of racial discrimination and inequality (for all minorities) are not political issues, but human issues. And because these inequalities are no more acutely and blatantly manifested than in the context of housing. (Click here to read more about the causes and results.)
I'm not going to pretend to have the answers, much less pretend to fully understand the issues. I have much to learn, and that happens by listening to those who are struggling. What I do know is that representation matters. There are hundreds of public meetings per year held by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County governments. These meetings allow for public input and involvement, including community members holding committee positions. It's in these meetings where plans are developed and sent up the ladder until they reach City Council or the County Commissioners, who ultimately vote for or against the initiatives. We can show support for those less privileged by attending and speaking up when the decisions of those committees or governing bodies do not take into account how minorities will be impacted. We can stay up to date on the issues being debated and, if unable to attend meetings, can send emails and make phone calls to the representatives declaring our positions and expectations that all demographics and socioeconomic groups be considered and well represented in the final votes. It doesn't take dramatic action to support our community, but it does take action.
You may be wondering if Asheville and Buncombe County suffer from these maladies, and I can assure you, they do. We are not without our own troubled history of racial injustices, and the effects from these times are far-reaching and easily traceable to the current obstacles keeping those who have been systematically oppressed from thriving.
This single, insignificant post could not possibly contain all the information needed to explain, support, convince, encourage, and/or rally it's readers to work on behalf of those far less privileged, but I do hope it will trigger consideration and thought on the issues herein. We are each so valuable as members of this community, and when each one of us succeeds, we all are better for it.
If you'd like to get more information about being involved and you're looking for a place to start, I recommend the following:
Read minutes from past meetings, proposals, and more on their website
Attend and speak during time allotted for public remarks
Meets the first Thursday of every month at 9:30a in the 6th floor training room of City Hall
(Unfortunately, there is no county equivalent.)
Easily one of the best opportunities to learn about Asheville's racial history and how economic decisions have impacted the African-American community. Such a powerful experience!
Comments