Civil Rights Day

I was talking with some friends over the weekend about Civil Rights Day today, and what our plans were for the national holiday. I carelessly made some statement about how I was so glad for the Civil Rights Movement; even though it didn't really affect my life, at least I got a holiday out of it. One of my friends called me out on that statement, saying that the Civil Rights Movement affected all of our lives, more than we care to realize.

I pondered about this... I had thought that my growing up in the west, being white, and from a middle-class family would all add up to a pretty similar life for me, even if the Civil Rights Movement had never occurred.

What a narrow way of thinking.

My eyes were opened to all the ways that my life and perspective has been affected by the Civil Rights Movement. This realization came just today from viewing a beautiful piece of choreography entitled "Lament" by Dwight Rhoden, danced by Desmond Richardson. Both of these men are amazingly talented artists who have made lasting impressions on the dance world, and both of them are black. I thought, who knows if I would be enjoying this incredible piece of work if the Civil Rights Movement had not taken place. I continued thinking, what other beautiful areas of the world would have been left wanting if equal opportunity and rights were not awarded to people of all races, cultures and colors? I didn't like that thought. Here you can see why:



Desmond Richardson is one of my favorite dancers. His technique is impeccable, his physique flawless, and his performance quality--simply breath-taking. I could sit and watch him all day. I'm so glad to know that everyone has the equal right and opportunity to create, invent, and express. The Civil Rights Movement helped to bring that result about, and I'm so grateful. Happy Civil Rights Day.