January 17, 2020
Remembering Dr. King Through Love, Compassion and Care
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” These words were spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Monday January 20, we will once again pause to remember a man who first and foremost advocated for peaceful resistance.
Dr. King always advocated the need to respect and care for others. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” he stated. Sometimes we need to stop and ask ourselves that question. The greatest way to show another person you care is to invest your time and resources to help them. Our brothers and sisters in labor have a reputation of giving. Through the past holiday season there were hundreds of examples of local unions collecting for the less fortunate. We advocate for causes such as raising the minimum wage and health care- even though most of our members have a better life through collective bargaining. We believe when one does better- we all do better.
Another way we show kindness is through defending the rights of others. I think one of Dr. King’s truest quotes is “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” It is always easier to turn a blind eye to the injustices that others face, but are we truly being the person we should be when we do  that? During last year’s strike with General Motors, our members were joined on the picket lines by members from other locals and people in our communities. I hope we all remember this and never pass on an opportunity to stand with others in need of support.
We also have to remember that kindness has no racial, religious, or geographical borders. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Dr, King reminded us. To truly being a caring person, we should move beyond race, ethnicity, religion, or gender. Dr. King died while supporting striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee. He was not a sanitation worker- but he believed in their right to bargain for a better life. Often times we are quick to help people we know, or to stand for their rights. But, are we willing to make that same sacrifice for people we have never met? I would hope we are.
As we pause to honor the legacy of this great man, it is my hope and prayer that we will do more than just remember his works, but also carry them on. Every day we can make a difference in the lives of others by showing the same love, humility, and care that Dr. King showed. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Mitchell Smith UAW Region 8 Director
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