January 16, 2025
Remembering Dr. King- A Light in the Darkness
There was a man who lived up a back road in Kentucky. His house sat behind a hill, with his driveway being hard to find in the dark. When he would leave home, he always left a lantern burning by his driveway. Once someone asked why he did that and he replied, “We all need a light to guide us home.”
On January 20, 2025, our nation will once again pause to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A legacy of justice, a legacy of hope, and a legacy of light. See, Dr. King was a light; a light shining in a dark time to lead others to the idea of justice, of equality, and an idea of dream. A dream for a better day, when all men accepted and stood for the rights of others. A dream that men could be judged by the content of their character, rather than the color of their skin. A dream that the heat of oppression will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
Today, there are areas where we still struggle to realize Dr. King’s dream. Places where oppression and prejudice remain, allowing hate and division to separate us as a people. There are those in authority who have used prejudice to divide us for their gain. Sometimes it feels as if darkness once again is creeping across our land. As a people, we are taught to hate and fear others. We are taught that “alternative facts” are believable. There was a time when an “alternative fact” was referred to as what it is – A LIE.
I often wonder what Dr. King would think about the issues we face today. I see the darkness returning to our land, as a cloud that covers us and blots out the light. The rich and powerful plan on waging war on the working class and we must fight back. Dr. King endured his home being bombed, multiple assassination attempts and was arrested 29 times. His mother was assassinated one Sunday morning while playing the organ at his father’s church.
Dr. King was not the first person to take a stand for civil rights, but it was his speaking ability, his non-violent approach, and his ability to bring a diverse group of people together that led to his success. His light illuminated the darkness of the times. As he brought more and more people together, their light intensified. UAW President Walter Reuther was a supporter of Dr. King, adding his light to the growing movement.
One of Dr. King’s most famous quotes goes “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” We can’t fight the growing darkness with darkness- only OUR light can do that. Joining together by race, gender, expression of faith, by workplace, we as union members can become a light to our communities, to our locals, and to our families. 
Soon, Region 8 will announce a new initiative to share our light in our communities. Solidarity is where our strength resides, and solidarity is what will guide us through the dark days we face. Dr. King paid for his service to others with his life. Today, it is up to us to light the way in darkness. I firmly believe the best way to honor the man is to continue his work.
One of Dr. King’s famous quotes states, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" In Region 8, we do much for others. Our members are active in their communities on projects through their locals and individually. We want to begin a project of coordinated community efforts utilizing our community service committees and the support of all Region 8 members. For the first time in many years, public opinion of unions is growing. It is time to display who we are in our communities through service to those in need. Every time we step out and do good for others, we shine our light in the darkness.
On January 20, may we all remember Dr. King and the light he provided. In our remembrances, may we dedicate ourselves to continuing Dr. King’s work in service to others. In his famous address in Selma, Alabama, Dr. King stated, “The time is always right to do what is right.'' My fellow members of Region 8, now is the time to do what is right. May our light reflect the thoughts and deeds of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and drive out the darkness we face as working people.
Who Are We?
UAW!!!
Tim Smith, Director
UAW Region 8
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