By Bobby Gibson
State Representative

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”  This is a message we often see.  However, what does it really mean? How do we accomplish it?
Dr. King was a great follower of Mahatma Gandhi.  Gandhi said, “We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.”
Let’s study these words because our society reflects who we are.  Gandhi was directing us very deep. He was guiding us to look inside of ourselves.  To reflect on the inner change that will truly change the world.
The real change comes when we go within ourselves and do the work of inner transformation. To study our inner being openly, honestly, and truthfully.  True change comes when we erase all narcissism from ourselves for the betterment of all humankind.
Gandhi purified himself so that he was motivated by the love for others.  There is no more important work one can undertake than to elevate his love for the betterment of others.
This was Dr. Kings message.  This was his legacy.
The problems that tormented our nation during the Civil Rights movement may not look the same, they have taken on a different look. Today’s social justice issues have taken on a different shape. They are now racial justice issues.
During the summer of 2020 our country saw the largest protest for racial justice and civil rights in a generation.  The many protests and the pandemic exposed the many layers of inequity our nation experiences. Systemic racism, mass incarceration, health inequities, educational achievement gaps, food insecurities, and voting rights are just a few of things that separate our country.
Dr. King stated, “I have a dream that is deeply rooted in the American dream. I  have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”  All men are indeed created equal.  However, do all men have equal access to the American Dream?
Dr. King had a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.  My question is do we all have a seat at the American table?
Dr. King had a dream that his four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Does systemic racism allow for the character of all to be judged fairly?
Dr. King had a dream that little Black boys and Black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
This was Dr. King’s dream, but how do we live up to his legacy?
My challenge to you is for everyone to start with themselves.  To commit to changing ourselves. To not only reflect on Dr. King’s dream once a year in January, but to commit to changing ourselves 365 days of the year.
This is the only way “we can be the change we want to see in the world”
Equitable rights for others, does not mean less rights for you.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Dr. King’s Letter from Birmingham, Alabama jail, April 16, 1963.