Many people, myself included, have to be reminded of the uncertainty in the Civil Rights Movement. When we were listening to Andrew Young, he described how both him and Dr. King were always “confused on what to do.” Learning about the Civil Rights Movement from a present day perspective allows us to forget that history is never history in the moment. No one knew how successful the Civil Rights Movement might be.
It takes a giant ego to say “I am making history right now,” not knowing what the future will bring. Andrew Young said that one had to be “certifiably insane” to believe that you were in the process changing the course of a nation.
He said, too, that all he could hope to do was “the best that I can, one day at a time.”
I was comforted by his words and inspired. I know that my actions have an impact, but, most times, the way in which I influence the nation is hard to see. As I went to shake Andrew Young’s hand, he asked that I help him up, which of course I did. This simple act reminded me that even though his ethos towered above me, his humanity never pretended to be greater. Reflecting on his previous words, I saw that he was in my position all those years ago; never sure of what to do or say, but just doing his best every day.
This realization leads me to the ever growing importance of hope. Our hope that our little actions add up someday and make the lives of unborn children better is our advantage. Hate has no hope, only fear.
Owen
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