"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
This month, the country will pause to remember the legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We remember King as the GIANT who championed civil rights during one of our nation's most turbulent periods.
He was respected, loved, and admired by many.
Criticized and reviled by others.
But Dr. King held fast to his beliefs.
He knew his goals for our country.
He dreamed.
One day, he said, a man would NOT be judged by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character.
Thankfully, his dream is more real in 2011 than it was decades ago.
But there is still more work to be done.
For instance...this King Day comes as some parents argue their children's civil rights were violated when the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district decided to close schools in minority communities.
The Department of Education is investigating those claims.
Was C-M-S's decision racially-motivated?
We don't know.
Right now, no one does.
But we do applaud those moms and dads for speaking out.
We think they are doing what King would have done - using the process to fight their claims.
Using peace to bring attention to their concerns.
So on this Martin Luther King Day, no matter how long it may take, continue to stand up for what you believe.
It worked for Dr. King back then.
We still think his methods will work today.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
