"Power of Words And Embodiment of Justice"

Politics is basically about brilliant ideas. Without durably crafted political structures, no amount of development can create social values that help to define and as well seek to mould a majority in a mass of people in a defined entity.

Staring me in the face was the tragic image of an African child condemned to the abject suffering of death by starvation. A massive tear confirmed the depth of his misery, yet his angelic eyes still beamed with the radiance of his life force. Not even the brutal assault of famine could extinguish the persistent flame of the human spirit.

Let us recall here the powerful words “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!!” which were penned in a prison cell in 1963 by one of America’s best-known advocates of equal rights – Dr. Martin Luther King.

Why was this man, who is so widely admired today, imprisoned in the Birmingham city jail? Dr. King was a national leader in the struggle to end the racial segregation laws of the American South. These laws restricted black Americans from housing, voting, hotels, stores, educational opportunities and participation in community life. Such laws were so deeply entrenched that when Dr. King led a peaceful march in protest, local authorities resisted with force, arresting the leaders and dispersing the participants with fire hoses and police dogs. This reaction caused a change in public opinion, leading to the enactment of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, the most sweeping legislation ever enacted to protect minority rights in the United States. This legislation helped change social and legal attitudes to bring the “American dream” of justice, equality, and freedom to all Americans, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnic background.

Dr. King was frequently criticized for meddling in the affairs of others. In 1967 alone, he traveled more than 780,000 miles to assist in political protests far from his home. His response, written in his famous letter was that, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This principle is now widely recognized by countries and human rights organizations around the world. The Czech Republic too lives by this standard, giving valuable support to those trying to bring democracy to countries such as Cuba and Belarus.

We are living proof that people can change their course of history. And therefore, we honor those with the courage to fight for justice, equality, and freedom for all.