Examining the relevance of MLK's Dream to the UK

Last month marked the momentous 50th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King's 'I have a dream' speech. Law student, Dwight McKenzie, reflects on the speech and its relevance to ethnic minorities in the UK. 

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a function organised by Operation Black Vote and the US Embassy in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a dream speech". It was a particularly memorable event because it had as a guest of honour, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of the stalwarts of the "Civil Rights Movement" in the United States, who has ardently carried on Dr. King's fight for social justice and equality for all. As someone of an Afro-Caribbean background, the theme of the evening which focussed on the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King was inspiring but also prompted in me great introspection. It was a reminder of how far people of my heritage have not only come, but also (in not being complacent) how much further there is to go. This is especially as relates to the need for substantive equality (evidenced by for example prison population data and poverty data which show an over-representation of ethnic minorities relative to their proportion of the population) in all aspects of life in the United Kingdom and not merely token or symbolic equality.

In looking at the inspiring life of Dr. King, I am conscious of the sacrifice which he made in advancing the cause of oppressed and discriminated people not only in the United States, but everywhere. I am also conscious that he paid for this struggle with his life, a selfless sacrifice in that he continued his fight for racial equality and social justice despite knowing the risks he faced in the pursuit of his belief and convictions. Undoubtedly Dr. King's efforts and legacy has had a phenomenal impact in the advance of these core elements of human rights. It is for this reason why as relates to Dr. King, the following quote best characterises him and that which he symbolised:-

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved"

However, for many in the United Kingdom (UK), there is a danger of thinking Dr. King's work was only applicable to and necessary in the United States. The UK for example officially prides itself on being a multi-racial society within which there is equality of opportunity for all in all aspects of national life irrespective of race.

There is also a risk of complacency in thinking that the ideals for which Dr. King fought have been achieved and realised, especially in the UK. Despite this mirage of a utopian society, the reality as evidenced by demographic statistical data reveals a nation whose true and full potential, economically, socially and politically has yet to be fully realised. Statistical data shows that national life is skewed more towards inequality than equality. In this regard, what is revealed is that there is a segment of the population; i.e. black ethnic minority, disproportionately and overly represented in many areas indicative of being at a disadvantage or in deprivation within the nation.

To appreciate the depth of the problem, note has to be made of the fact that that up to 30th June 2012, people of Black or Black British origin comprised 13.3% of the nation's prison population (Prison Population Statistics, House of Commons, Gavin Berman & Aliyah Dar, 29 July 2013). In 2009, the Wealth and Assets Survey revealed that the 'average white household' had roughly £221,000 in assets, Black Caribbean households had about £76,000, and Black African households £15,000. In 2010, just over a half of 7-year-old black children were living in poverty (Institute of Education, October 2010).

Data from the Institute of Race Relations has revealed that in June 2012, 7.3 per cent of White people, 15.5 per cent of Black (African or Caribbean) people of working age (16-64), were unemployed. This particular problem among young adults is outlined below:-

Percentage of 16-24 year olds unemployed by ethnicity, 2002-2012

2002

2008

2010

2012

White

8

8

12

13

Asian or Asian British

8

12

13

15

Asian or Asian British

13

16

19

21

Poverty Statistics, Institute of Race Relations, 2013

Whereas racism may not be explicit due to the Equality Act 2010 and other anti-discrimination laws in the UK, that is not to suggest that it is non-existent in society. Rather it is subtle in its expression, but substantive in its effect. Review only has to be made of the commanding echelons of UK society wherein whether it is in politics, industry or the judiciary, it is clear for all to see that it is white Anglo-Saxon dominated, with ethnic minority representation well below a level had there even been proportional representation as practiced in the United States.

If it is accepted that an individual's ability, skills and intellect are not determined by race, then it must be accepted that there are other determinants which have led to the above poor state of national affairs. It must be acknowledged therefore that there are other failings or limiting factors within society which have prevented members of the black ethnic minority from reaching the commanding heights of industry, body politic, and society on a whole relative to or in proportion to their composite of the population. One undeniable possibility is that discrimination based on race and ethnicity is still very much alive and well in the UK. As regards the UK therefore, Dr. King's "I have a dream speech" is very much applicable to the UK and relevant today.

Within UK society however, despite the resonance of Dr. King's speech in the collective consciousness of individuals, its power rests not just in the words expressed but in the purposiveness of action which he undertook in making his dream a reality. This action itself should serve as a motivating factor in galvanising ethnic minorities to strive for success and to persevere in its achievement. Crucial in this regard, is that irrespective of one's negative and perhaps dis-heartening experience, there is a responsibility on the part of all those of an ethnic minority background to not allow that experience to break spirit or motivation, to not allow that experience to define or limit expression of one's true capabilities, to not allow such experiences or others to dictate what one can achieve. Rather these experiences should strengthen resolve to achieve not what others or circumstances dictate what an individual of an ethnic background should achieve, but rather what ability and ambition determine can be achieved.

For me, as an individual of an ethnic minority background, I have chosen the latter resolve, conscious that I have a responsibility to myself, to my ethnic group and to the UK, to be all I can be. I have a responsibility to build on the foundation of hard work and sacrifice already made by ethnic minorities in contributing to the continued building and development of the UK.

Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech should have the effect of strengthening resolve to achieve and to succeed in life. It should also inform a deepened sense of identity, and a resultant responsibility to succeed. It is this conclusion that introspection and pondering on the life and words of Dr. King has lead me to believe.

Dwight McKenzie

Picture: Rev Jackson addressing the audience at the US embassy on 06/09/2013