On Dreaming Forward.
Graphic: MVL
The cornerstone of a Meaningful Vibrant Life is community. The more welcome and accepted we feel, the more compassion we naturally hold for others. MVL was founded on the belief that a spirit of community can create positive change, reshape towns, and transform lives.
This month, we are absolutely thrilled that Jameka Smoot Haynes contributed this thoughtful piece for our readers. She is one of the most community-minded individuals we know.
On Dreaming Forward.
by Jameka Smoot Haynes
The Town of Mooresville’s Community Relations Committee will host this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peace Walk & Breakfast with the theme “Dream Forward: A day of Reflection and Action.” To me, this celebration of his life and legacy is much more than just a day off from work or school. It’s a chance to deeply reflect on what it means to be human. As you walk, celebrate or just be in community, I encourage you to pause and think about how humanity is reflected in this memorable quote by Dr. King.
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
Does it inspire you to have greater compassion, empathy, and generosity? What does being human mean to you?
It brings me great joy to see the dream of Dr. King living on today for generations to come. But I’m also reminded that it takes more than reflection to keep a dream alive. It requires consistent action, 365 days a year. What better time to start than today? Future generations are depending on the actions we take now to shape a culture of dignity and respect for all.
Taking action doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or difficult. It simply means moving forward positively while utilizing the influence, time, talent, and resources you have available right now. It is making an intentional choice to build a stronger community, one human at a time. Here are some ways to do that:
• Start with personal self-reflection & accountability to let go of negative stereotypes and assumptions. Here are some Questions to Self Reflect.
• Practice empathy & embrace the humanity of others. Here’s an interesting article – Being Human Together
• Have a conversation with someone that is different to gain a new perspective. Read about Uncomfortable Conversations with Emmanuel Acho
• Read books, articles, and visit museums that share the truth about our history. Smithsonian Explore History
• Seek volunteer and philanthropic opportunities with intentionality and purpose. Here are a couple of resources – St. Therese Poverty Awareness and Poverty Simulation Workshop
• Be present at professional leadership meetings and look around the room. I always ask these questions: Is there representation of all different backgrounds or does everyone look/think/believe the same? Who can I collaborate with in the community to maximize impact? Iredell Ready
• Get involved with local government & community initiatives. Are all citizens' voices being heard? Who is missing from the table that is making the important decisions? What can I speak up about to bring a more inclusive mindset to my community? Looking from a lens of humanity, who is being excluded? Here are a couple of resources – Mitchell Community College Diversity Resources & United Way of Greater Charlotte Equity Challenge
I hope you will be inspired to leave a legacy that resembles the tenacity and resilience, integrity and conviction of Dr. King. As we dream forward together, keep in mind his powerful words, “the ultimate measure of a person is not where we stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where we stand at times of challenge and controversy.” Our community will be better tomorrow because of our courage and boldness today. Always allow love and humanity to be your guide.
