12/19/2011
We spent the night in a Savannah Suites about a block or so from the birthplace of Martin Luther King. Tragically, it looked to be one of the worst parts of town. Groups of homeless people lay about in the streets with shopping carts full of possessions scattered about. Outside the hotel a man came up the security officer who was checking me in. (Yes. The security officer checks you in here.) The officer made the man clear off and then explained to me that he was a “regular” who wasn’t allowed on the premises. I got the impression this explanation was supposed to make me feel better.
The hotel was actually very nice inside, but this was the first time my cheapness made me feel concerned for my family’s safety. If I could do it over again, I would have spent a few more bucks.
After surviving the night we drove over to the Martin Luther King Historic District. Run by the National Park Service, it is a series of free buildings dedicated to and associated with the King legacy. His birth home and The Ebenezer Church where he preached still stand here.
The centerpiece is the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. As arguably the most-honored non-statesman in American history I was surprised that the official King Center was so sparse. Essentially three rooms – dedicated to King, Gandhi, and Rosa Parks respectfully – the displays are basically placards with text and black-and-white photographs readily available in any book on the Civil Rights movement.
Dr. King was an incredible man who takes up a unique role in the history of the United States and the world. He’s certainly one of the most important people of the twentieth century. Millions have been affected by his words and deeds and there is a continuous dialogue on his highly documented life and legacy. I mean no disrespect to the King Center of the memory of the man himself. In fact, I mean the opposite. If someone walked in here and knew nothing of Martin Luther King they would walk away still uncertain. Those who already know a lot about the man will get nothing new. The King Center has an opportunity – perhaps an obligation – to present the passion of the man they seek to represent.
One strong point is on display: King’s funeral wagon. The television audience who watched the largest non-presidential funeral in American history may not have seen that the man himself was carried to his resting place in a rickety, wooden wagon. This is the humble spirit of Martin Luther King to me. More of this, please.
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