As we approach mid-January, social media platforms are once again filled with quotes attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The sentiments shared, predominantly by white individuals, tend to be quite predictable, often centered around love and peace. You might recognize the quotes: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” However, these same individuals remain silent on issues of racial equity and the importance of supporting Black lives for the majority of the year. For instance, during the recent insurrection in D.C. led by white extremists, there was a noticeable lack of commentary from these same voices. Instead of addressing the deep-rooted issues of racism masquerading as patriotism, many opted to express their prayers for the nation.
What’s troubling is the tendency for some to control the narrative by sharing selective quotes from Dr. King to soothe their conscience, all while maintaining only superficial friendships with Black individuals. The reality is that many of these so-called friendships lack authenticity and do not involve meaningful discussions about race. Engaging in such conversations could challenge their comfort, provoke feelings of guilt, and disturb the fragile equilibrium of white privilege.
Instead of genuinely addressing racism, there’s a preference for a safe, once-a-year acknowledgment of Dr. King’s words. Simultaneously, they often remain silent when white nationalists are treated with understanding and compassion, while Black protestors fighting for racial justice are met with aggression and violence. When the former are described as “special” and “loved,” there is no outcry, but when Black activists are labeled as “thugs,” there’s often agreement.
While it’s easy to enjoy Black culture—like dancing to popular music—there’s a reluctance to truly respect it. Some may even indulge in cultural appropriation or excuse the racist behavior of family members under the guise of generational differences. Such attitudes reflect a troubling denial of the realities faced by people of color.
Racism can be insidious and often cloaked in claims of colorblindness, where individuals assert their non-racist beliefs based on their limited associations with Black people. They may highlight instances of crime or insist on their neutrality, all while benefitting from a system that favors whiteness. However, simply being nice or supportive does not absolve one from the need to actively combat racism.
Engaging in anti-racist work requires a commitment to unlearning harmful teachings and acknowledging the realities of history. This includes understanding the importance of language—referring to “people who were enslaved” rather than using outdated terminology. It’s essential to listen and learn rather than lecture those who are directly affected by racial issues.
To truly honor Dr. King’s legacy, we must confront racism in our daily lives and work towards changing the policies, laws, and societal norms that perpetuate it. This journey begins with education—reading books, listening to insightful podcasts, and watching documentaries are vital steps. Building authentic relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds is also crucial.
Superficial gestures of unity won’t suffice. The fight against systemic racism spans centuries and requires a deep, committed effort to enact real change. If your acknowledgment of King’s dream is limited to a quote on social media, you are missing the mark.
There is no neutral ground; as Ibram X. Kendi states, we are either actively anti-racist or complicit in racism. Posting a quote, especially in the wake of recent events, does not make one an ally.
Dr. King envisioned a world of unity and compassion, but that doesn’t mean ignoring the complexities of our differences. True love and respect require effort and a willingness to change, to acknowledge pain, and to meet the needs of others. Are you prepared to confront your own comfort zones, or will you continue to shy away?
Instead of merely sharing a quote from Dr. King this month, I urge you to dive deeper into anti-racist education. Ensure that you are also teaching future generations to understand and work against racism. Acknowledging your privilege is just the beginning—what actions will you take next? Remember, quoting Dr. King is not a pass to evade the realities of racism.