This Monday, January 18th is an important day.
On the third Monday of each January we, as a nation, celebrate the life, wisdom, compassion, and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was truly a remarkable American patriot, whose life was tragically cut short in Memphis on April 4, 1968 by those attempting to silence his voice advocating for the freedom and rights of all Americans no matter their race, creed, or color. His legacy carries forth to this day and is especially poignant this year as true patriots stand united against those who would drag us back to an era in which equal rights were denied to so many.
On the threshold of an inauguration, our country is embarking on a journey of healing after a long year of a devastating pandemic, and additional years of deep-seeded divisions that have recently culminated in riot and destruction by domestic terrorists and white supremacists in the halls of the Capitol. Across the nation, many cities are looking to reform their police departments, and new collective bargaining negotiations between police unions and municipalities are occurring almost daily. In many cases, FMCS mediators are working on multiple front lines, helping parties reach acceptable terms in their contracts.
However, as we all know, that is not enough. Dispute resolution in collective bargaining, grievance mediations, and other complaints are just the tip of problems that are often long simmering and deeply rooted. They then manifest themselves in one of these dispute-handling avenues. But truly, these clashes often emanate from dreadful relationships that have been permitted to degrade over many years. These may be work or personal relationships where those around us often do not feel included on a daily basis. Rebuilding those relationships, and then managing those conflicts that are inevitable, is required to bring any durable success. That starts with real listening, authentic caring, and putting aside petty differences in order to concentrate on the larger, more important tasks at hand. FMCS is uniquely poised to offer those pathways and enable parties an opportunity to be their best selves by focusing on what can be sustained if we build upon a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and collaboration. And, that requires transparency throughout society.
Dr. King is famously remembered for calling upon us to care about the content of one’s character. His shining example and dream is incredibly appropriate as we all struggle in this tumultuous year. His call was to embrace and love our neighbors, to work for peace, and to do that work peacefully. When we do our best work, we are working on behalf of others. Dr. King spoke eloquently of reconciliation and redemption. He declared: “Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class and our nation.” Finally, he spoke on the concept of the “Beloved Community.” Dr. King said: “The Beloved Community symbolizes peace time, a willingness to handle conflict with compassion and justice; a place of quiet refrain and joyous celebrations, a place to go to grieve the passing of a life, but also a time when one doesn’t take a life either for revenge or as a method of retribution.”
This Monday, Jan. 18, will you give a little of yourself on behalf of someone else as you honor Dr. King, a genuine American Hero? Whether it be one hour, or the entire day, find a way to help your neighbors and your community. Do it for yourself, do it for your family, and your friends. Do just one thing to demonstrate that you care. Do it because that’s what being an American is. Dr. King recognized that, and so should we.
Please stay safe so that you can stay healthy.