"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." -Martin Luther King, Jr.
Back in early December, I had the opportunity to go out to the streets of Eugene with a small group of students from my university, and hand out Christmas gifts to the homeless. One spot we went to is locally referred to as "Whoville." I don't know how it got this name, but it is essentially a group of people who live in tents and protest for the right to sleep. Whoville has changed locations at least once, and to be honest, I am not even sure where they are now, or if there still is a Whoville. But on the day we went, I was deeply inspired to meet a man named Wayne who is a former pastor, and now spends a good amount of time with the homeless. He goes to them without an agenda, and shows them love. Wayne encouraged us to educate ourselves about homelessness and see what we can do to really help. He said that coming one time and giving out food or supplies is a good start, but will not be a long-term solution, and the more we educate ourselves as individuals, and as a student body, the more effective we can be.
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I sit here and reflect on Wayne's message toward us on that cold afternoon in Whoville. Dr. King saw so much darkness and injustice in his world. And he did something about it. He familiarized himself with the problem, thought deeply about what the solution could be, and then went to action. I believe we should look to the example that Dr. King set, and that Wayne set, and that people all around us set every day, even when they do not get the fame and the glory for seeking justice. Because, "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." And guess what? We have the ability to do things and to bring light to the darkness. We don't have to sit idly by wishing that things could change. So let's do something.
Kid President said it better than I ever could, so check out his latest super adorable and uplifting video:
