Martin Luther King Jr’s message of peace, unity, equality, and positive change is relevant and poignant in today’s society. WCIA exists to help our community work through injustices, but also to educate and inspire sustainable change at all levels of our community. Many of our community members and neighbors may be emotionally overwhelmed based on the events of 2020, and the opening days of 2021. Regardless of our personal beliefs, it is the responsibility of each one of us to do what is right, and to take care of each other. For some of our residents of color, LGBTQ+, women and others, recent events at our country’s Capitol building and even in our own neighborhood are triggering events that perpetuate a message that the rules are different and change when minorities are involved.

Please remember that while we have several different beliefs, viewpoints and personal opinions, the goal for our community is that above all else, we protect, support and maintain the mental and physical health of ALL of our neighbors at this sensitive time. Physical and mental harm directed at anyone is never okay. If we are building on our principles and values, then we must continue to build relationships, check in on and get to know one another, build trust and demonstrate a united stance to the global community that hate, violence and a lack of psychological safety has no place in Wyoming.

Imagine Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr experiencing these events firsthand. Imagine the courage, respect and fortitude that he had to stand up for civil rights and liberties while violence was all around him. Think about how it took only one person to mobilize an entire nation. How might you internalize this message and manifest it for yourself? For your family? For your relationships? For Wyoming? This day is a holiday to recognize the man that turned thought into action, and who fought to do what’s right. It aligns fully with WCIA’s mission and goals.

It is also important that we recognize empathy. Empathy is the ability to imagine or visualize what it must be like to be in another person’s shoes. It is not sympathy or pity, yet the ability to respond with: “I can’t know what you may be thinking or feeling, but I’m here for you if you need to talk or if you just need a moment to yourself.” It is understanding. Remember that belonging, trust, safety and well-being are reasons that people stay involved and happy in their communities. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.” Reflect. Care for all others. Serve. Have a wonderful MLK Day!