MLK & Herman Boone

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Judged not by the color of my skin...

There are lots of quotes floating around to commemorate this day and inspire us to remember MLK and remember his purpose.  The one that most resonates with me is:

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

How absolutely terrifying is that idea?  Being willing to step out on the edge and take that first step without assurance that there is a staircase (or anything really) to catch you.  Trusting in what you believe and following your passion and conviction fearlessly is something to be commended.  Additionally, this quote reminds me that celebrating the legacy of MLK is not the actions of one single day but a life time of steps.  Social justice is a process, a journey, not a destination.  There is always more learning and more work to do.

I was also lucky enough today to have dinner with Herman Boone.  Herman Boone was the coach of the Titans football team that the movie Remember the Titans was based on.  Denzel Washington played him in the movie.  Can you imagine having Denzel Washington play you in a movie?  I mean, that is just height of awesomeness.  Mr. Boone was at Dartmouth to do the keynote address for the MLK celebration.  I was invited along with a few of the students that I work closely with.  It was an incredible experience.  It truly felt like you were in the presence of greatness.  The students were awestruck.  He reminded us that the day and the work wasn't about the man, MLK, but about his vision and that it was our responsibility to ensure that the vision and dream that Martin Luther King so eloquently put forward was continued.  One of the students asked him if he ever wanted to quit because of fear for himself and his family.  Mr. Boone said yes.  He said there were many moments when he wanted to let go and leave it all behind.  He said he worried about his family and still does.  BUT he had to keep going.  He said he fell down many times and got back up.  He said it isn't the number of times that you fall that matters but how many times you get back up.   I truly am thankful that I am in a place in my life where I am given the opportunity to meet such incredible people and to be inspired by their words. 

One person can make a difference.

"It is up to us to make a difference.  It is up to us to care."  -The Jester Has Lost His Jingle