Entering Trump’s Second Term, Let’s Heed this Call from Dr. King

On January 20, 2025, we commemorate civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. We all know the history of his legacy and the impact that he and others had on our world. Many associate his purpose with the famous and powerful I Have a Dream speech.  However, fewer are aware of the message he wrote in a letter while imprisoned in Birmingham, Alabama. Or the meetings he held with Malcolm X and other civil rights leaders discussing strategy – akin to modern-day “No Justice. No Peace.”

In the letter, Dr. King writes about the late Mother Pollard, a Dexter Avenue Baptist Church elder in Montgomery, Alabama. It is reported that Dr. King had asked her to consider riding the bus during the 1955-56 boycott. She refused to do so, as she had walked everywhere for most of her life, and she was steadfast to march to justice despite her tired, aching feet. “My feets is tired, but my soul is at rest,” she said.

This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day coincides with the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump. As we gear up for the perilous times of a second Trump administration, I challenge us all to be empowered, like Mother Pollard, to keep marching forward for justice on foot.

To keep Dr. King’s mission alive, we must boldly march for racial justice, immigrant justice, gender justice, and economic justice; Boldly march for the future that we want for our children and families; Boldly march for our freedom to speak our native tongues, to don our native apparel, and to embrace our spiritual beliefs and customs; And boldly march until we all can rest within our souls.

On this day of remembrance and service, let us remember that Dr. King’s “feets” were tired of contending with blatant racism, police brutality, FBI surveillance, fear, and unethical laws and practices from the highest courts. No, his story did not end at the Lorraine Hotel, where he met his earthly demise – the story resonates still today.

Let us share our healing salves on what pains us to gently cradle our loved ones, communities, and our spirit. Hold your head up high and take this time to apply the healing balm to your tired feet, your spirit, and your heart.

Let us not lose sight of our mission. We have everything to gain by remaining steadfast in our calling.