Black Community News News and Commentary for Christians
Martin Luther King III recently criticized the Ferguson riots and violence against police for being contrary to what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned.
King stated in an interview with the Washington Times:
“My father’s approach to the most brutal and unambiguous social injustices during the civil rights struggle was rooted in nonviolence as a morally and tactically correct response. In no way do I, nor would my father, condone any ‘ends justify the means’ behavior.”
After deciding not to file charges against police officer Darren Wilson for the shooting of Michael Brown, violence broke out in Ferguson, leaving seven citizens and four police officers injured.
In Brooklyn, two NYPD officers were murdered.
In his interview, Mr. King emphasized the importance of nonviolence and communication:
“I would say to these young people, you are not unheard. Your disillusionment deserves to be addressed inside and outside the university through cross-cultural dialogue, which should include a greater understanding of oppression. Only then can your anger be positively redirected through the time-honored process of nonviolence my father utilized to obtain his greatest moral victories in seeking justice and fairness for all.”
Mr. King has also advocated for communication across party lines. He thinks that liberal blacks should reach out to and engage in dialogue with members of the Tea Party. In an appearance on MSNBC he stated, “The only way you change is you have to at least be communicating.”
What do you think? Does King’s emphasis on communication and nonviolence present a way forward out of current racial tension?
h/t: The Washington Times
BCN editor’s note: This article first appeared at Western Journalism.
