The Rational Rambler™
By MARSHALL E. HIWATT, Opinionist
Reflecting on Black History Month, I recall my university days when I had the profound honor of meeting two pivotal figures in the civil rights movement: Rosa Parks and James Farmer. These encounters, coupled with my studies of authors such as Ralph Ellison, deeply influenced my approach to life, understanding people, and our ongoing journey towards equality.
Rosa Parks: The Power of Respect & Understanding
When Rosa Parks visited our university, I was fortunate to speak with her backstage before her speech to our student body. Her message during our discussion was clear and profound. Parks stated with conviction, “While we may never fully know another’s person or their life experiences, we must always strive to respect, listen to and understand each other. Doing so will result in true progress toward a truly equal and unified society.” Parks’ act of defiance on that Montgomery bus was not just about a seat; it was a stand for dignity and respect. I will always remember her not only as a very sweet, warm, wise and compassionate person but also a very strong human who accepted her role in life as a civil rights icon and strove to use that mantle to positively impact present and future generations. As she once said, “I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.”
James Farmer: Recognizing the Unsung Heroes
The year after I met Rosa Parks, I had the honor of introducing James Farmer to our student body. It was another moment of revelation. Despite his instrumental role in founding the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and organizing the Freedom Rides, many, including myself, were initially unaware of his contributions. Farmer recounted a pivotal meeting where he, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and others deliberated on who should lead the movement. During our pre-speech conversation Farmer said to me, “We all knew it had to be Martin. Martin knew it had to be him. He knew the many risks to himself and his family. But he accepted despite the risks because he knew that the movement must succeed for our community and society to progress. And that success depended on the contributions of many individuals from all walks of life.” This humility and strategic foresight underscore the collective effort behind the movement. Farmer’s reflection reminds us that while prominent leaders are celebrated, countless individuals, known and unknown, have propelled the causes of equality and justice. Farmer aptly stated, “We, who came together to form CORE, were idealists. We believed that if we acted on the ideal of brotherhood, we could make America live up to its creed.”
The Collective Power of Peaceful Protest
A recurring theme from these reflections is the emphasis on peaceful, collective action. The civil rights movement’s success was rooted in its commitment to nonviolence and the involvement of individuals from all walks of life. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. articulated this interconnectedness, stating, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” This approach was key to fostering real change. When people march together, not in anger or with acts of violence against property or person, but in conviction, the world listens. The lesson remains relevant today: meaningful progress comes when we work together toward solutions rather than fragmented silos fostering division.
Revelations From Travel: People Are Inherently Good
Through my travels across the world—from the former Soviet Union to the vibrant cultures of Asia Pacific, across the European Union, the Middle East, and throughout the United States—I have met people from all walks of life. And what I have come to understand is simple: people, at their core, are good. Yes, there are always bad apples in every group, but overwhelmingly, people love their families. They care about their friends. They want a good life. They want their children to grow up safe and happy.
The real problem isn’t everyday people but rather the institutions, organizations, and governments that set agendas, demand allegiances, and push us to take sides. They fuel division rather than encourage unity. But if we step away from those imposed divisions and just see each other as people, we realize that we have far more in common than we do in difference. I always contend that any group of toddlers put in a sandbox together are not going to care about race, religion, or nationality. They’re going to play. They’re going to laugh. They’re going to share. They’re going to be kids. It’s only when adults step in, imposing biases and divisions, that the innocence of that unity is lost.
Additional Cultural Reflections
Ralph Ellison, author of Invisible Man, captured this sentiment when he wrote, “America is woven of many strands. I would recognize them and let it so remain. Our fate is to become one, and yet many.” Ellison’s classic novel explores how society often reduces individuals to labels rather than recognizing them as complex human beings. His narrator struggles with invisibility—not in a literal sense, but because people refuse to see him beyond their assumptions. Invisible Man is a reminder that true equality is about more than representation; it’s about truly seeing and respecting each other.
In this spirit, we are reminded of President John F. Kennedy’s words during his 1963 commencement address at American University, where he emphasized the shared bonds that unite humanity: “If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.” Kennedy’s message calls for a collective effort to foster a world where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated.
From Understanding to Action: Moving Forward Together
Black History Month is important and relevant to every member of our diverse society. It is a reminder that progress has always been a collective effort, that true justice and equality require constant vigilance, and that history belongs to all of us. By listening, learning, and honoring the stories of those who fought (and still fight) for a better world, we strengthen our understanding of each other and our role in building a future where respect, dignity, and opportunity are shared by all.
I invite you to email me at marshall.e.hiwatt@gmail.com and share your thoughts!