With the 50th death anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. being only one month away, many questions arise in terms of the events surrounding MLK50. The city and the National Civil Rights Museum, in particular, have been gearing up for this commemoration. In downtown, at the intersection of Main and 2nd St., there is major construction undergoing the building of tents, simulating that of fairgrounds, to make space for the big crowds and speakers and vendors that are meant to be present the week of April 4th. With this in mind, I am somewhat concerned about the commercialization of MLK50. What is the intent behind these constructions and endless advertisement? The question that I am grappling with is whether or not MLK50 is meant to be a celebration or profit-earning endeavor through means of commercialization. Of course, I understand that these two things do not have to be mutually exclusive. Are many of the proceeds going towards National Civil Rights Museum? And is this meant to create more publicity for the museum itself? These questions and concerns lie with the upcoming event of MLK50 as I am trying to contend with celebrating King’s legacy, but staying true to his vision of peaceful activism.
Furthermore, what exactly are we celebrating during MLK50? In thinking about the Civil Rights Movement, we have made it clear in class that the movement is still not over. Although major legislation passed and the death of King marked the end of the movement according to the master narrative, the current climate suggests otherwise that there is still work to be done. This in tandem with MLK50, makes me wonder if we are legitimately celebrating King’s legacy and his call to action or if we are celebrating the mainstream ideology in which a death of a martyr saved African Americans everywhere in terms of their civil liberties and freedoms. I am eager to see the narrative that the National Civil Rights Museum chooses to dictate, since they have their own donors to please. Recently, I took a class called in which we created an initiative for the museum to possibly undertake in the wake of MLK50. Questions came up which involved the museum’s stance on more contemporary movements, mainly Black Lives Matter. I think it would be extremely powerful for MLK50 to support and engage with the Black Lives Matter movement as a continuation from the Civil Rights Movement.
A blog dedicated to exploring the civil rights movement in Memphis, TN
I agree with your hesitation towards the MLK50 "celebration." What in the world are we celebrating? The horribly unjust assassination of a pacifist? What's worth celebrating about that? I'm hoping that the city manages to make this a commemoration, rather than a celebration, but I have my doubts.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the NCRM, I'm also curious to see what direction they take. They're navigating such a thin line between appeasing conservative donors and board members and fulfilling their role as an activist museum. I'm optimistic for their temporary exhibit, but I am a bit biased. In the end, though, I do have more faith in the NCRM than in the city of Memphis regarding the mood of the event.
I understand both of your points dealing with the question of why we are celebrating MLK50 and I totally agree with the two of you. I also believe that the life of a person as strong and as influential as Martin Luther King Jr. should be remembered. The fact that we celebrate his life on the day of his tragic death is a little odd to me. However, what better day is there to educate people about the significance of the Civil Rights Movement than the day of one of its leaders deaths. A celebration does not have to be just a remembrance, it can also be look forward to the future. I hope that the events of the MLK50 do not just speak of the past but also of the present and the future.
ReplyDeleteI too, am wrestling with this. If turned into a 'celebration', the MLK anniversary has the potential to diminish the racism still present in our society today. It could turn into just another opportunity ‘to make white people feel good about themselves’, (in the words of Dr. Hughes) thinly veiled as an observance of black figures and culture.
ReplyDeleteAs for the National Civil Rights Museum, I do believe they are headed in the right direction. Taken from their calendar on the commemoration, they have said, “The National Civil Rights Museum wants to help the world reflect, but not linger on the past, but instead use that horrific event to propel us forward.” I agree with Jessie, in that the NCRM appears to be prepared with a better message than Memphis, especially based on how the I AM A MAN remembrance went.