Once Slaves, Now Saviors
The Irony of American history

by Edwin L. Young, PhD
January 15, 2001

The slaves who reaped the harvests and laid the bricks to build America have become the saviors of American culture.  Take a 'what if' trip in you mind and imagine what American culture might be like without Black Americans.  Imagine living with the xenophobia, intolerance of racial and ethno-cultural differences, chauvinism, oppressive and exploitative values and laws, the effects of an elitist educational system, the effects of economic elitism.  Imagine how different our role in international history might be.  Imagine what strength of character it would take to have been a member of an oppressed, feared, despised, and excluded minority and rise to a position of moral and political leadership within the highest offices of the prejudiced majority.  Celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as pivotal moment in American history opening the way for millions of great souls forged through the mold that shaped Dr. King.  Celebrate with a deeper understanding this momentous, saving, redirection of the course of American history and the history of the world.