Commodities of intelligence. Manifestation of thought. Point of vicious memories. Moments of solitude. Intimate moments of revelry. Words unite. Words hold power.
That is the power of words according to Michael Eric Dyson, celebrated author and scholar and renowned Georgetown University professor of sociology. Dyson spoke to a diverse group — black and white, young and old, teachers and students — about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s impact on black history.
Dyson, a dynamic and passionate orator, placed great emphasis on literacy and how it correlates so closely to King’s motives for change, namely the idea that literacy is a valuable tool that challenges the ignorance of black stereotypes.
Even through the hundred years of oppression, African Americans invested in literacy. Dyson explained that King emerged through black culture with his love of learning, and if we strive to be anything like King, we must study. We must be literate.
Dyson explained that King told the difficult truth about history and used words to “free the mind and free all of us,” and despite King being a radical of his time, he had the courage to speak truth to power.
Dyson then encouraged the crowd that if we want true change, the time to act is now, because King had a “fierce sense of urgency,” according to Dyson.
“If you wait, you may stall,” Dyson said, paraphrasing the words of King.
He said, like King, we must listen and deal with the current generation, making comparisons to raps of Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. Their raps tell the hurt and heartbreak of the people in the ghetto. Dyson stressed bearing witness to their history will extend King’s dream.
King changed America without the Oval Office or a budget plan. Dyson urged us that we, too, can change America if we use words to “challenge bigotry.”
I can only imagine witnessing King speak, but Dyson is an intense speaker, himself. He had a rhythm in his thoughts that translated to his words, which translated to the crowd. The energy in the room by the end of the night was different. I sensed people walked into the room not knowing what to expect, walking out of the room feeling inspired.
