Identity

Identity.

Identity is what defines us. It's what unites and separates us. It's a list of traits, preferences, and ideals which determine the way in which we interact with the world around us.

So what do you do when who you are isn't good enough for the rest of the world? When a society converges to decide that those of a certain identity are somewhat less? What about the losers, the loners, the nerds? The jocks, the druggies. Goths, preps, posers? Religious fanatics, anarchists? Do you stand up for your beliefs or do you shrink before the task of making your voice heard? Do you stand up for what you believe? Right and wrong. Fair and unfair. Equality.

Every now and then, a situation may arise to test this voice of the people, and it is at these times that our heroes arise. And today, we are gathered to honor in particular Civil Rights advocates. You know their names. Ever heard of Martin Luther King Jr? How about Rosa Parks? Malcom X? Susan B. Anthony, Margaret Sanger. Cesar Chavez, Al Sharpton. It's people like these that stand up before the world to say "This is not right." They stand up for the belief that all people are equal. African Americans, Latinos, women. The poor, the uneducated. All equal. All deserving of respect and recognition.

And this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor especially the achievements of the man behind the day. His vision, his dream. Doubtless you know his story, you've heard his speech. So instead of relaying those facts to you once more, we want to show you what he stood for. What he believed in. What he died believing in. The right for any person to be treated as any other. The voice of a nation. And the identity of all people.

See, you don't have to be a "King" to make a difference. You can make a difference at any time you choose. Twenty years from now, thirty years from now, when you look back on these days, will you be proud of how you lived your life? You know, there's a word that we all have heard. We can hardly go a day without hearing it, to the point where the word itself seems to lose all value. Respect. We hear it from teachers, singers, moviestars. We hear it from our friends, from our families.

But how many of us actually take the time to consider what respect actually means? Respect isn't about empathy for the situations of others. It's not about understanding where they're coming from. It's about admitting when you don't understand. It's about giving them the benefit of the doubt.

You have to take hold of what you believe in. You have to make your voice heard, against all oppresion.

This isn't about getting along in High School. It's not about getting along at your first job, or maybe college. This is about getting along. Period.

So respect the voices, respect the identities, respect the people around you. That's our message to you. Today, tomorrow. It's our message until the day comes that we fade away. It's our message as a school. As a community. It's our message as people of a nation.

Identity.