Editor’s Note: Jared Loggins is a Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Scholar and political science major at Morehouse College.
By Jared Loggins, Special to CNN
(CNN) – As an entire nation marked the anniversary of the slaying of civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. last week, members of the Morehouse College community came together not just to celebrate the life of a man, but to mark the continuance of the nonviolent revolution Dr. King helped to promulgate .
As we all continue to further develop our understanding of what it means to live in a truly peaceful and nonviolent world, we must do so even amidst a culture of racism, militarism and materialism. As costly wars rage around us; as weaponless young black men are killed for appearing “suspicious,” and even as society continues to drown in material wealth, we must still find a way to move toward living in what Dr. King called “the beloved community.”
This community must be one that embodies multiculturalism; it must look beyond the hue of one’s skin; and it must cease accepting laws that directly conflict with the foundation of America.
What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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All Americans need to stop hating black women, and white men. Dont tell me this is not happening. Its all over popular culture
Nonviolent action puts on a good show for the media. Violent response should be expected, though. Our rights are being whittled away. Look at Occupy Wall St., many went to jail over camping violations. Protest zones, out of the way of those being protested, have little effect. The right to bear arms was originally intended to keep government from getting out of control. Now, if a well organized militia were to meet to discuss bringing down this corrupt government, they could be held indefinitely, without charges, trials, or counsel, as terrorists.
The main benefit to nonviolent protest is you are less likely to be shot than if you get loud and rowdy and "rise up against the man".
Define "The Man" for me please.
The problem with nonviolent resistance is that it only works in countries that have a basic respect for human life. In a totalitarian country, it will only lead to a massacre. Even Gandhi recognized that.
Ralph, you show a superficial knowledge of nonviolence. It is the violent response that makes nonviolence work. Even watching the movie "Ghandi" should have taught you that. You grab your bludgeon and meet me in the streets.
Well thank God that America is not totalitarian. Ever been to North Korea, or Burma? Im guessing no
James earl was the hero