After a night of spring rain, the day dawned bright and resembled a cool fall morning more than one in early April. But, all within earshot of a TV or smartphone knew the significance of the day. Those old enough to remember were telling where they were 50 years ago on April 4th when they heard the news of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination in Memphis.
In Memphis they prepared for the march to honor of one of the world’s most revered leaders. And, those who had come traveled from all around the world. James Thindwa grabbed a coffee at the bistro in the hotel where he stayed overnight before heading out for the march. Thindwa is a nationally recognized community organizer from Chicago.
“We have quite a few here, and they are from all around the country,” Thindwa mentioned. Thindwa is the community engagement liaison for the American Federation of Teachers. He had also attended the Mason Temple service Tuesday evening.
“It was a great program,” Thindwa explained in a voice tinged with enthusiasm for what appeared to be a revival in social justice advocacy. “It’s the energy…the historical perspective from the veteran leaders. I’m so glad there were so many young people there. The young people can learn from that.”
His remarks were echoed by Texas Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee as she exited the evening’s service. “It was reflective of yesterday and a lesson and model for tomorrow,” she said.
The 2018 version of the Memphis sanitation workers strike and tribute to Dr. King included cellphones, selfies, and social media. The “I AM A MAN” slogan remained the same and covered the backs of men, women, and children who represented generations of Americans with each adding its chapter to the country’s race narrative. In many ways the sense of inequality that brought Dr. King to Memphis in 1968 permeated the city.
Thindwa paid homage to the social justice template utilized by the Civil Rights Movement, pointing to it as the guide for civil disobedience even on his native continent, Africa. “In southern Africa, the entire script for the African National Congress came from the Civil Rights Movement,” he explained. “I would like to see ‘Black Lives Matter’ start pushing the envelope in what can be heard.”
A hurried Thindwa warmed to his topic but with limited time, he joined the members of his group as they headed for downtown and a day of celebrating the young southern preacher who changed an entire country and influenced many others.
