“font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who is beloved more by his country in death than when he was alive, was a drum major for justice. That’s why it was so surprising – and disappointing – to see U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), an ardent foe of civil rights, at the front of the march in St. Louis observing the slain civil rights leader’s birthday.
“font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>The third Monday of each January is a designated federal holiday. But that does not mean we should take a holiday from telling the truth. And the truth is when you look at Blunt’s voting record in the U.S. House of Representatives (before he was recently elected U.S. senator), it was always the worst or next to the worst record of the Missouri House delegation when it comes to civil rights.
“font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>The NAACP issues an annual legislative civil rights report card. Every year, Blunt receives an “F.” His support of African-American issues, according to the NAACP, usually fluctuates between 19 percent and 30 percent. Among the Missouri House delegation, only Rep. Todd Akin of the St. Louis area rivals him in the race to the bottom.
“font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>In the last five sessions of Congress, for example, Blunt has voted against strengthening hate crime prevention legislation, was against expanding federal assistance for unsolved civil rights cases, opposed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, voted against extending unemployment benefits, voted against health care reform, and opposed overhauling the federal student loan program.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>Is Blunt’s voting record in line with Dr. King’s dream? Dr. King’s celebration should not be an opportunity for politicians to attend, and use the event as their own public relations ploy. The Dr. King celebration should be a reflection of the courage that Dr. King demonstrated. It should be an opportunity to inspire the public about what Dr. King stood and died for, so that our youth will be aware of the sacrifices made by Dr. King and many others. Most importantly, the celebration should be an opportunity to educate the public on the issues and legislation that directly attack and threaten Dr. King’s dream.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>I appreciate the Dr. King celebration committee and all of the hard work they provide to coordinate this great event annually. But, what was the committee and coordinators of the march thinking when they allowed Blunt to help lead the commemorative parade? Were they thinking at all? Many of the celebration’s participants were very disappointed at the committee’s decision to showcase Blunt.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>Seeing Blunt lined up at the head of the parade affected me on many levels. I volunteer at a black male leadership training program, a program I greatly benefited from as a young man growing up in St. Louis. We took the young men to the Dr. King parade, and all I could think about were the times we’ve taught the young men to have principles, be moral and to exercise the courage of their convictions. I didn’t want to spoil the mood of the day by pointing out the contradiction of honoring Dr. King in having a person who votes against everything he represents leading the parade. There is a time for that discussion, but it was not then.
“font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>We urge our young men to always be truthful. To maintain my credibility, I can’t preach what I don’t practice. That’s why I felt compelled to write this column. Dr. King’s stance was not always popular, but he wasn’t afraid to speak out, even at great personal risks. I cannot in good conscience soil his memory by refusing to point out this contradiction.
“font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>Dr. King’s spiritual beliefs lead him to fight for justice and equitable treatment for all. Dr. King was a uniter! He wanted to see all ethnic groups treat each other with love and civility. Blunt, like any resident of Missouri, should have been welcomed to attend the march – perhaps he might learn something. But he should not have been at the head of the line to celebrate the life of our most famous drum major for justice.
“font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>I think that we need to reevaluate how we celebrate the life of Dr. King in St. Louis before we allow the dream to be minimized and destroyed.
“font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;” lang=”EN-US” xml:lang= “EN-US”>Artis Keith Turner, a graduate of Morehouse College – Dr. King’s alma mater – is a community activist and entrepreneur.
