Hiroshima Peace Park, no known attribution. Because we all probably could use a bit more, or a lot more, peace.
Tonight’s title involves the opening photo and last link. I normally host this on Sunday evenings at the GOS, and am experimenting with a cross-post right now.
Opening Commentary by Denise Oliver Velez
Black Kos – Young Martin Luther King, Jr.
Oh, I know we celebrate his birthday later on this month, but I wanted to think about him as a young child, and as a young man before he went on to become an icon of the civil rights movement.
He was not so very different from many young black men born into a black middle class family.
Like many members of the black middle class his father, Michael was a preacher.
Like many members of the black middle class his mama was a teacher.
Like many members of the black middle class, the family roots were not far removed from poverty.
He was really born with the name Michael King Jr. His father changed his own name and his sons’ in 1939 after a trip to Germany-to honor Martin Luther.
When I read about his childhood I am reminded that being middle class-and black-was not a protection from racism.
It still isn’t.