Reflecting on the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a naturalized American shares personal experiences and insights on the impact of Dr. King’s legacy on immigrants and the broader society.
Having lived in the U.S. for several decades, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recall the person I was before I arrived in this country. Despite having read “Gone with the Wind,” I did not fully grasp America’s complex history of slavery. Similarly, my understanding of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement was limited.
In the 1970s, India was grappling with economic challenges, and what we admired most about America was its technological advancements, epitomized by the Apollo 11 moon landing. The United States seemed to excel in everything—movies, sports, human rights, and more. Young, ambitious individuals dreamed of coming to America, believing they could achieve their potential and escape the constraints that held them back in their home country. Many did not pause to consider what they were leaving behind, as America’s soft power was so compelling that even parents and teachers often encouraged these leaps of faith.
The good news is that this youthful gamble paid off for many. Through grit and perseverance, countless immigrants are now living the lives they once dreamed of, enjoying a higher standard of living along with personal and professional success. More importantly, they have the freedom to assimilate at their own pace and to the extent they choose. Equally vital is the assurance of being treated with civility and having a stake in public life equal to that of any native-born citizen.
On this MLK Day, I reflect with gratitude on the fact that my story would not be what it is today without Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If not for his leadership in the Civil Rights struggle for equality, many of us who came to what we believed was the shining city on a hill might have instead faced prejudice and discrimination. Where would we have fit in a society with “colored” waiting rooms and whites-only lunch counters? Would we have been willing to accept the price of “separate but equal,” even if it promised a higher standard of living than what we had in India? My answer is a resounding “No.”
Dr. King did more than almost anyone else to bring modern America closer to its self-professed ideals—a nation of justice and fairness, welcoming to diverse hues and cultures. He enabled America to project itself confidently on the world stage, advocating for human rights and asserting the inherent dignity of all human beings.
As a naturalized American, I am proud to be a citizen of the country that Dr. King helped to forge. About a decade ago, I attended an MLK Day observance at City Hall in my New England town. More than 90% of the attendees were African American, which made me uneasy. It troubled me to think that this day seemed to resonate primarily with the Black community. I felt out of place—almost like a fraud. If this was not a community-wide event, what was I doing there? Did I have the right to stand up and sing “We Shall Overcome”?
As I stood there, I noticed a photographer aiming her camera in my direction. I felt mortified at the thought that my presence might be captured for the hometown newspaper. It wasn’t that I was worried about being recognized; rather, I wished to remain unnoticed, a fly on the wall among the many who were there to honor Dr. King. I wanted to express my respect for him and my empathy for the struggles of his people in a private yet tangible way.
As I exited the building, I encountered a young white couple—my daughter’s best friend and her boyfriend. In that moment, I realized that the diversity I had missed was indeed present, crossing both racial and age lines. I felt a sense of relief and gratitude.
Over the years, I have developed my own MLK Day traditions. One of these is reading a book about the African American experience. Another is watching Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in its entirety. Even after multiple viewings, I find the speech astonishingly moving, carrying a moral force that is undeniable.
One particular detail enhances my awareness of the connection between my two countries and fosters a sense of shared purpose that I felt was lacking during my earlier City Hall experience. Some of the men standing behind Dr. King during his speech wore the Gandhi Topi, a gesture that acknowledged Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on his philosophy of civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance. What a fitting tribute!
As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is essential to recognize the profound impact he has had on shaping a more inclusive and just society. His vision continues to inspire individuals from all walks of life, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of standing together in solidarity.
According to India Currents, Dr. King’s legacy remains a guiding light for many, encouraging us to strive for a world where justice and equality prevail for all.