Tuesday, February 1, 2011

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Photo: U.S. National Archives (courtesy Flickr)
It is only day three of Open to Interpretation, and it is evolving in my head at the speed of light. Today, instead of searching for an inspiration, I knew exactly what I wanted to be inspired by: Black History Month. And my muse? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His perspective on the innate goodness of the human spirit is truly awe-inspiring. Can we all really put our differences aside? Can we replace our prejudices with love and respect? Martin Luther King, Jr. sacrificed the most precious gift of life, yet, are we even close to fulfilling his iconic dream?

Since moving to New Orleans, race and all that goes with it has been illuminated in some of the ugliest and darkest of ways. However, in addition to seeing the disparities that still exist between people of different colors, I have also seen the light. I've seen people come together to take a stand. To acknowledge it. To talk about it. To fix it. 

People say Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love, and perhaps it is, but the title could also go to New Orleans. The people of New Orleans love their food, love their music, love their architecture, and above all, love the Saints. So why not push that love one step further, and love each other, regardless of color. It's time to celebrate our differences, and then maybe share a bowl of jambalaya. Or alligator cheesecake. Yummm

Curious about the efforts New Orleanians are putting forth to promote love and respect among people of all colors? Check out www.eracismneworleans.org. And share your favorite Dr. Martin Luther King inspiration by commenting below. Because in the end, it's all open to interpretation!

4 comments:

  1. Three posts in and tackling race relations and scalping Philly? I don't think wading in will ever be an issue for you. Very interesting.

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  2. Scalping Philly? No way, I'm merely suggesting they share the title. And whats the fun of putting yourself out there if you can't stir the pot at least a tiny bit, right?

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  3. I don't know what alligator cheesecake is, but I think I want some. You're doing a great job Rach!
    xoxo

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  4. A.) Philly is obnoxious, they deserve it. Unless of course you are referrring to Philadelphia, MS, which I doubt.

    B.) I sincerely hope that the alligator cheesecake is from Jaques Imo's and is followed by stuffed catfish.

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