In times like these, as our country struggles with backwards-looking leaders and divisive politics, Dr. Martin Luther King's example of persistent, non-violent change is needed more than ever in this world.
As it was in the 60’s it is now. We must know who we are beyond the false and destructive politics of identity and exclusivity that limit our viability as a species. If we allow our value to be determined by external factors such as race, ethnicity and social class, we will never know our own humanity and will not know peace.
As a therapist, I believe that when individuals face the truth about themselves, even when it is unpleasant, the world is a safer place. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, take a moment to remember that as humans we all want the same opportunities and the same peace. It may not seem like much, but it is everything.