In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, celebrated with on January 21st this year and with a long weekend, we’re posting this piece by MadeOnSunday, just one Etsian of many who admires his enduring message. While MLK Day isn’t a “shopping holiday,” the Storque editors thought it would be appropriate for the marketplace’s community to take a moment to reflect on what it means to be doing business in the midst of such diversity. We originally put up this post from MadeOnSunday last year and wanted to bump it up again to the top.
Since Etsy is an international site, we want to hear from non-US Etsians: who are the civil rights leaders in your country’s history — or living right now? How well-known is Martin Luther King in other countries? What’s your dream? Post in the comments below!
Here’s MadeOnSunday‘s post and enjoy the “I have a Dream” video too:
I remember when I was in third grade my teacher, Mrs. Stock, gave us an assignment. She read us three incredibly short biographies (on par with a third grader’s incredibly short attention span) on George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Based on the little we had just heard, we were assigned to pick one of the three men mentioned, and to study their lives and achievements. We were also to write a paper, and (gasp) present it to the class. I was the only white child in the class that chose to research Martin Luther King, Jr.
Let me share with you a little of what I had learned through various books, videos and presentations about Dr. King as child, and subsequently, throughout all the years of my life, before I return to the lesson I had learned that day in third grade:
Dr. King came into this world on January 15, 1929. Having been born in Georgia, Dr. King had grown up in the heart of segregation in the south. By the 1950’s, segregation was tearing apart the United States, and many people — both black and white — had grown tired of the violence that was erupting as a result of the discriminatory laws of segregation.
By the mid-1950′s, Dr. King had become a key figure in the civil rights movement. He was elected president of the Montgomery Improvement association in 1955. From that time on, Dr. King led many non-violent, civil disobedience demonstrations, including the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Freedom Rides.
Dr. King held strong to his convictions throughout the years, and was even jailed based on his beliefs and participation in civil disobedience as a means to end segregation. He even formed a close relationship with John F. Kennedy over the years, helping Kennedy win the presidential election in 1960.
To list but a few of his accomplishments, Dr. King, as the civil rights movement’s most renowned leader, led his country to see the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, which extinguished the legal flames that protected and encouraged segregation. He also went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and was also named Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year” in 1964.
Dr. King taught us the value of human equality, the strength of peaceful resistance and the power of the people for change.
Dr. King’s assassination in 1968 left people feeling disillusioned and angry. Violence broke out in the streets and the entire country was in a state of chaos. Through all of that destruction and noise, Dr. King’s message was still heard echoing in the ears of all. His message of peace and non-violence won over turmoil and destruction, as the nation began to put itself back together.
With all of that being said, let me share with you the very first thing I had learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. as a child, and how it affected me. After my wavering voice concluded my presentation on Dr. King, Mrs. Stock had asked me, “Why did you choose Martin Luther King, Jr. for your presentation?” At first I wasn’t sure how to answer. I grew up in a predominately white area, and had only ever met two African American people at that point in my life, my classmates Carlos and T.J. However, even as a small child, I could understand Dr. King’s message and relate it to my own life. I replied: “Well, if it weren’t for Martin Luther King, I wouldn’t be allowed to play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Carlos and T.J.”
Dr. King’s message was so simple that it took some time for the people of world to finally understand it. He preached not only about integration and racial equality, but the necessity to stand up for our brothers and sisters in the frightening face of discrimination.
Further Resources:
If you are interested in donating in the memory of Martin Luther King Jr., here are a few links to organizations that hold true to the vision of human equality.
NAACP
Amnesty International
Sisterhood Agenda
Africare
Aid For Africa
Human Rights Watch
54 comments
Sign in to add your ownalkemystic88 says:
I really appreciate Etsy staff,sellers and buyers for there diversity and interest in so many topics. This is a great community.
4 years ago
MosaicsbyAH says:
Thank you for the article and I love those Afro Lady Earrings!
4 years ago
atomicq says:
Thanks for this wonderful article, MadeOnSunday. Very poignant.
4 years ago
IngasGems says:
I appreciate the article and the diversity of Etsy!
4 years ago
localcolorist says:
MLK followed the lead of Ghandi and protested by non-violent resistance. My room mate in art school is the grand daughter of Lorraine, the woman who owned the Lorraine Motel in Memphis where MLK was murdered. Her grandmother died of a heart attack that night from the shock. Riots broke out all over Oakland, CA where we were living, and going to art school. 1968 was a year that changed the USA forever. And not for the better. The fact that Obama and Clinton are facing off for President is an amazing good turn of events. MLK is smiling from above. MLK is a source of inspiration for me personally and I create my art work following his lead. Today the public free speech non-profit radio station KPFA in Berkeley played hours of MLK speeches. I am very appreciative of living in a place that plays a day long tribute of MLK speeches.
4 years ago
kibathediva says:
This is a beautiful article. Thank you for writing it and sharing your experience and knowledge!
4 years ago
alkemystic88 says:
It was the opposite for me growing up in an all white school reading Huck Fin and Tom Sawer, being the only Brown skinned kid in the class every time we read out load the word in the books "nigger" cut like a knife. I'll never forget how supportive and understanding my teacher was, for the semester we had to read those books she passed me and allowed me to spend that time in the library. Dr. King understood it is not a race problem it is a human problem we are all interconnected on this planet, the human race.
4 years ago
theVintageZoo says:
what a beautiful article, wonderful front page. thank you so much for taking the time to honor MLK..... fantastic.
4 years ago
resinated says:
wow, i'm honored to be on the front page in this treasury!! i saw it yesterday in treasuries, and didn't know about the related article till i linked from the front page. it's wonderful, and thank you so much for the article!!!
4 years ago
juliebcreative says:
this is such an adorable heartwarming story...the teeenage mutant ninja turtle part perfectly boils down everything into what is truly important in life
4 years ago
CraftChi says:
Wonderful article, thanks.
4 years ago
NicoleLorentz says:
Thank you for such a wonderful article! I am honored to have my bracelet be on the front page of etsy in such a meaningful treasury. Thank you!
4 years ago
SuzyQJenn says:
Thank you so much for the wonderful and poignant article! And thanks for helping us all remember and reflect today!
4 years ago
UrbanIslands says:
Powerful essay and treasury! It's astonishing though that so many children today are unclear about Dr. King's story and impact. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9063250
4 years ago
heartofnature says:
What a wonderful article! As I begin my career as a teacher--as a 3rd grade teacher, no less--I hope that I can help spread MLK's message to all of my students. I think that despite the vast improvements in the equality provided to all citizens of this nation, we have a long way to go before we reach peace. Keep on hoping... keep on questioning. I'm honored to have my Hope photograph included in this treasury in memory of such an inspiring man.
4 years ago
PrettyInPeace says:
beautifully touching essay and treasury, your 3rd grade teacher should be proud. i'm certain she never thought her assignment would be received so deeply and by so many.this is truly inspiring.
4 years ago
raghousenternational says:
Great article. I was very touching. I loved the related items as well. So glad MLK day can come and he still can be remembered and never forgotten.
4 years ago
IndyGrrrlProductions says:
This is awesome!
3 years ago
LegendaryTigerHero says:
Thank you!
3 years ago
JoyandWhimsy says:
I listed a vintage, beautifully illustrated ML King book just this morning, published originally for kids the year he died. It's at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19929050 And I also listed a unique 1940s classic that gently dealt with racial issues, about an adorable 10 yr old African-American schoolgirl...at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19929438 I may also list a few other titles like these so mark my shop-Thanks!
3 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
THis is a wonderful article! I was surprised that they did not use any of the MLK treasuries for front page, but at least there is this beautifully written piece! Thank you XoXo Poppy
3 years ago
rosetung says:
wow! re: localcolorist's comment! one of many reasons why i miss bay area radio. i imagine the timing of the holiday is meaningful for San Francisco bay area right now. it must be fueling the fight of the protesters speaking up about the Oscar Grant/BART shooting. my friend's blog for info on the BART shooting: http://papalodown.com/?p=483 (what you can do, plus video links) http://papalodown.com/?p=487 ("In Memory") http://papalodown.com/?p=491 ("Fuck the Bullshit", more vids- beware, hard to watch, very sad and frightening but needs attn!) p.s. She's in PR. Her blog is full of helpful tips for small business people, namely musicians. Some tips def helpful for Etsy type artisans too.
3 years ago
thepairabirds says:
“Well, if it weren’t for Martin Luther King, I wouldn’t be allowed to play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Carlos and T.J.†I love that quote
3 years ago
LacySorbet says:
Wonderful article.
3 years ago
BluCille says:
MLK Jr's niece Dr. Alveda King said "How can the dream survive if we murder the children?" Something to think about especially this week with the freedom of choice act, etc.
3 years ago
LystraK says:
Martin Luther King jr. and the people around him sacrificed their life for us all. Praise God
3 years ago
thebestvintage says:
Thanks for this article. Etsy is a cool place to visit.
3 years ago
MadeOnSunday says:
thanks for the lovely comments everyone.
3 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
Thank you so much for this article. It is indeed a very special MLK day this year, he would be so proud to see how far we've come (with still a long way to go)
3 years ago
OnTheNeedle says:
Wow, my thank you from last year is up there in the comments, as Resinated! I thought this was familiar when I clicked on it... My husband is in DC for the inauguration right now, and when I heard Dr. King on NPR earlier it was so moving, as always, but different this year. Just amazing to hear on this day. Thank you for re-publishing this article, I do wish more people from around the world would respond about their civil rights leaders, I'd love to hear their responses.
3 years ago
briaberger says:
Thank you for this!
3 years ago
raegunfabric says:
he did great things cor our nation
3 years ago
tiffanyrenfrow says:
wonderful.- SOOOOOOO much Martin Luther King & this article. thank you!
3 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
Thank you for reporting this, and regarding the related items, the "Sarah" print is beautiful... Great day...
3 years ago
EarthBabyDesigns says:
Dr. King is one of America's greatest people. His dream is becoming reality. *I* have a dream it will be completely fullfilled before my son becomes a man.
3 years ago
LaireMarie says:
Tomorrow will be a very exciting and new day...
3 years ago
MyFlutterBuys says:
Great story! If only we all could have the simplicity and innoceunce of a child.
3 years ago
fjcdc says:
How beautifully written! I've tried to honor the memory of Dr. King by teaching my young son that no matter how a person looks on the outside, our hearts inside are ALL the same and THAT is what matters! If someone has different ideas, we need to respect them too. If we teach our children early on to respect each others differences and ADMIRE each other this world will be a better place. A smile is a universal language! "MadeonSunday" I'm sure your parents are very proud of you! :)
3 years ago
NatashaDesigns says:
This Is nice!
3 years ago
Redlu says:
Dr.King's speeches are so inspiring and relevant these days. Just read about the shooting of Oscar Grant by a BART officer in the bay area, we still need to keep an eye on racial discrimination and inequality. I don't know if anyone has heard about this, but there's a movement of immigrant students seeking the passage of a legislation called the DREAM Act. It seems like it was inspired by Dr.King's I Have a Dream speech. He will always be a source of inspiration for the world.
3 years ago
StaceyDawn says:
I love that speech and no matter how many times I watch it it still moves me. That's a lovely story MadeOnSunday. "We may have all come on different ships, but we are all in the same boat now." -Dr. Martin Luter King Jr.
3 years ago
threepeats says:
And now there will be a generation of kids who 20 and 30 years from now will remember what it was like and how it affected them when the first African-American was sworn in as President of the U.S. Thank you. I've had the feeling for a while now that MLK Jr.'s birthday had become just another holiday. His struggle and what he fought for takes on so much more significance this year.
3 years ago
Hollyrocks says:
What a beautiful thing, that even a third grade child can see the simplicity and common sense which should be apparent in MLK Jr.'s message. It seems only natural that human beings should be good to each other, but that is the exact opposite of what happens in this world sometimes. Great article!
3 years ago
storyjewellery says:
thank you for posting this article, what a moving speech in the youtube clip, Dr King a true legend, so brave and so needed, its easy to forget that without him america may not have obama in today, thank you Martin Luther King Jr x
3 years ago
jcjewelrydesign says:
Thank you so much for posting this article and the video clip!
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Beautiful. Thank you!
3 years ago
akaisilks says:
thank you and mahalo
3 years ago
thelittlebrownwren says:
Lovely article.
3 years ago