Monday will be an .
In a twist that might be imagined for a horror movie, a suspense thriller or a this-can't-be-real flick, the United States of America will officially celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and witness the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, the nation's 45th and 47th president.
to pursuing better lives for Black people, then pivoted to focus on poor and working class people, bad police behavior and improving economic opportunities for all. Trump has lived a life based on name recognition, media attention, a television show and doing anything that might enrich himself and friends.
Unfortunately, for many of us Trump doesn't seem capable of saying "civil rights," "police brutality" or "economic injustice." Yet we honor King and his legacy on the same day our government's leadership mantle passes to a man who has garnered some Black support based on the his tough-on-crime and immigration positions.
MLK Day became an official holiday once President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983. It was first observed in 1986. Since King Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January there haven't been many chances for the holiday to fall on January 20, the constitutionally-mandated day for a presidential inauguration.
Clinton was inaugurated on the same day that MLK day was observed, in 1997. The same for Barack Obama, in 2013. Sorta. His private, constitutional swearing in was on Jan. 20. His inauguration was on Jan. 21, the King holiday.
The next time there is a .
With Clinton, there was no question was no question that African Americans were welcome — and included. Stevie Wonder and other greats performed that weekend. Maya Angelou had a significant role, delivering a memorable poem. Obama made his second inauguration special, using a President Abraham Lincoln Bible and a King Bible when he was publicly sworn in.
I wish I felt confident that Monday's Trump inauguration would be a diverse and inclusive one, something that mirrors more of the people in our country.
I am not confident at all.
As much as I want to hear President Trump praise King, reference his leadership role in the civil rights movement and say that there's much more to be done, I'm not holding my breath.
In his 2017 inauguration speech, Trump spoke of hope and unity. But there was so much despair.Â
"When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, 'how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity,'" he said. "We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity."
Did he do that? I think not. At least not without name calling, racist and sexist remarks and talking over people, especially women. King didn't do that. He was a genteel, diplomatic and forceful leader. He was clear and direct. He was not dismissive and disrespectful.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump looks up toward his supporters as he signs autographs at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | )
President Lyndon Baines Johnson met with King in 1963 to talk about civil rights in the nation. Would Trump accept an invitation from King to talk about civil rights, police brutality and economic justice? Would King catch flack for visiting Trump in the White House? Or would they have to meet at Atlanta's Paschal's or Dooky Chase's in New Orleans?
As much as half of the nation sighs or despises the incoming president, I believe King would say it's time to bounce back and fight a nonviolent fight with a coalition of friends who oppose inequity, race-specific violence and economic policies that trample far too many.
As prescribed by the U.S. Constitution, Trump is required to say something like: "I, Donald J. Trump, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Time will tell whether he does better with a second term, this time as a convicted felon.
Let's take King's lead: "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
Celebrate King and his legacy Monday. Respect the office of president, if not the man. Engage with those who disagree and win them over with sensible, thoughtful arguments with emphasis rather than explosions.
A strange day is time for reflection, listening to the words of King and Trump and mobilizing to fight for "things that matter."
Let Monday be a reminder that election consequences can bring silence or outrage and a fight for what's right.
