today .. January 19, 2009

This morning I set out to write about why today is important to me. I grew up in Georgia, a state where despite the passage of federal civil rights legislation, public facilities remained segregated in many areas well into the 1970s.

I was going to write about the segregated schools I attended and living in the designated “white” area. I was going to write about the fact that, what is now called, the “n” word was the preferred term for African Americans and most people didn’t even flinch when it was used. I was going to write about that but then I remembered the murder of 14 year old Emmett Till in Mississippi and I became mired down in memories.

Segregation was more than different schools, water fountains, restrooms, and the balcony in the movie theater where African Americans sat. Segregation was also the Klan, house bombings and cross burnings. It was Governor Lester Maddox who kept ax handles called "Pickrick drumsticks" near his restaurant's front door to “discourage” African Americans seeking to eat there. And of course, Georgia is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. which brings me full circle.

Three years ago my son and his wife, my daughter and four of my young granddaughters met in Atlanta. We visited my old home and I told them about growing up in Georgia. We also visited Sweet Auburn, the black neighborhood of several blocks which includes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birth home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a pastor, and his gravesite. I felt a mix of shame and pride for my home state.

Today we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and tomorrow we will watch as our first African American president is inaugurated. It is almost too much to take in if you were reared in the segregationist south. Almost but not quite. Today is a day of great celebration. Mark it well. Today I have renewed hope for our nation.