In Honor of Martin Luther King Day

In my “With These Hands” series, I chose a young African American girl for this painting. I used the title: “Hope” because it represents the spirit that helped African Americans survive and endure many years of injustice and persecution.

I was at a Larnelle Harris concert on Saturday evening. His amazing voice and colorful stories were not only entertaining they were inspiring. I’m grateful for the many African Americans who have and still do contribute their time and talents to make our country great.

Martin Luther King’s message of love and peace is sorely needed today. Why do people continue to hate those they differ from? We can’t even discuss political policy. If we have a difference of opinion, our conversation disintegrates into hate speech. The media seems to encourage this anger. Instead of reporting the news, they are spewing opinion and encouraging hatred.

At least on this day when we honor a great man, let us do as he did, and join hands in fellowship and love. Let us forgive each other more and criticize less. Let us fulfill his dream and stand as equals and Americans. Like the young girl in the painting, let’s hope and pray for a better tomorrow.