I've been waiting around for Alton to post an introduction post, but I can't wait around any longer.  I know Alton's plate is full, so I'm just going to march right ahead and he is sure to jump in when he can. 

Marching ahead on topics of race.  Monday is Martin Luther King Day.  I have a decision to make about how to spend the day.  I have three choices to choose from in which I could honor the late Dr. King.  The first involves participating in the MLK march from city hall to the MLK memorial on Tidewater Drive.  The kids and I did this last year and enjoyed the day.  We gathered at the steps of City Hall and the weather was amazing!  The news was out in full force that day and as I sat on the steps soaking up the energy of the crowd with the two kids, I saw the microphone heading my way.  I remember cringing.  He stuck it in front of my kids and asked them why they came out.  The kids were thrilled to be on camera and mentioned something about the Iraq war and fighting and how MLK used words to fight and not weapons, or something like that.  I have learned to fear the spur of the moment on camera questions as well as chopped up statements where important points land on the cutting room floor in exchange for quick sound bites.   Their 15 seconds of fame was cut short when an organizer called everyone to attention and gave specific instructions as to our route and to not to hold any posters of any kind.  I found that weird as most marches include people carrying posters on a long stick for all to see their reason for a march.  I assumed we were all there to march on behalf of the dreams of MLK and posters mirroring his dreams would be most appropriate.  We all left the steps without posters, but as we marched out into the street, magically posters appeared on sticks and people were proud to display them.  I was shocked that the posters were not "MLK - a man to remember" or anything of that nature, but rather they read "Leave Riddick alone!" in response to turmoil going on downtown with city council.  I realized quickly as the news was snapping pictures at the poster carriers, that this march wasn't about honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, but rather a political rally in support of Paul Riddick; or at least some were trying to piggy back on the reason for the people gathered here for their political advancement.  My heart sank at that moment.  I motioned for the kids to fall back a bit and we marched more towards the rear.  We were far enough away from the political marchers that the energy of the crowd resumed.  Someone started to sing and many others followed.  We marched ahead and smiled at one another reflecting the power that Dr. King still had over a crowd. 

 We marched around the memorial and straight to Chrysler Hall where we were treated with the Lost Boys of Sudan.   These Lost Boys had to escape war turmoil in their country by fleeing at young ages to a land that was safer.  Their stories were inspiring and they had us on the edge of our seats.  Something that stood out in my memory was a small incident with a few Sudanese women - also survivors of the war ravaged country and also part of the miles upon miles of fleeing to sanctuary.  They came dressed in the most beautiful dresses from their homeland.  They sat right behind me and the kids and they were truly stunning.  There was a moment after the mayor introduced the Lost Boys and the men told part of their story, that they asked for all the Lost Boys to stand up.  The row behind me, filled with other Lost Boys and Girls began to stand and be recognized.  One woman wouldn't stand even after the urging of her fellow Lost Girls.  "He called for the Lost Boys" she replied matter of factly and refused to stand.  In America, the capitalist country we are, we were touched by the stories of these Lost Boys of Sudan.  The reality is that girls escaped along side the boys, and this girl was not going to be looped into a recognition that only highlighted the male struggle.  She was so powerful, so strong, and to my daughter that watched this unfold, she was a true hero.  We greeted her after the show and felt her pain, her struggle, her accomplishment and her life's mission electrify us through a simple handshake.  Truly a day to remember!  One option for Monday is to do the MLK march in Norfolk again.  As I just got to reflect, it was a wonderful day! 

The next option would be to meet at the YWCA, get on a bus to Richmond, and participate in the Advocacy Day promoting closing the gun show loophole, strengthening the federal background check, and participating in a vigil to remember gun violence victims and a lie in at the Bell Tower on the Capital grounds.  Stomping out gun violence is an issue I'm passionate about, as I was witness to two friends getting shot a little over a year ago by some thugs.   This would mean a long day for me and the kids, but for a worthy cause!   Does this honor Dr. King any more than holding up signs for a political figure at an MLK march?  Maybe my thoughts on the Riddick signs could be challenged.  Maybe not.

I spent the week introducing my little people in my classroom to the legacy of Dr. King and his dreams.  In one book I read, it said that a man roller skated from Detroit to Washington DC to see Dr. King speak on that famous day in 1963.  The book said it took him eleven days to roller skate to the march.  The kids thought that was a cool fact!  I guess that brings me to my third option.  Stay home, do chores, let the kids play with their friends, and mainly flop around on the couch.  Honoring Dr. King by enjoying the free day. 

Decisions....decisions....

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