I read the remarks by the Charlotte chapter president of the NAACP and felt the need to respond from a more sensible approach. It was announced that one of the makeup days for CMS would be Jan. 17, 2011, which is earmarked as MLK day in the United States this year.

Two years ago, the decision was made by the school board to use this day as an alternative. For too long the local NAACP chapter has involved itself in reactionary stances. The protest should have come when it was decided that this potential makeup day would come if needed. Dr. Gorman's decision was based upon school board policy which he is obligated to answer to.

After seeing the test results from the African American students in CMS, the NAACP should be the last organization in Charlotte to protest our children going to school! Ensuring that our children are being educated on MLK day is more an honor to Dr. King than children staying at home playing video games.

America celebrates this holiday. This is not just an African American holiday. Dr. King wanted equality and justice for all Americans; this is why the holiday and Dr. King are so important to our history. Perhaps the NAACP president should ask that CMS have a moment of silence in honor of Dr. King while our children are in school.

Rev. Nantambu may have received a listening ear by suggesting a King speech be played CMS wide during morning announcements. However, to suggest outrage that our children are required to be educated on the day America celebrates MLK, Jr. is sending the potency of the NAACP in the wrong direction.

I have respect for anyone who assumes a public role and acts upon his or her moral fiber for justice, truth and equality, but this is nonsense. A man was killed this week by a young African American male. In the last five weeks there has been at least the same number of murders via black on black crime. Not once did I see or hear from Rev. Nantambu. Would it be too much to ask the NAACP to stay relevant? Would it be difficult to get the log out of our own eye before we look for the splinter in another's eye?

May we all honor Dr. King on this holiday by not having a murder, crime or unkind word said to each other on January 17th. But for the sake of Dr. King's legacy, let's send our kids to school in the meantime.

***
Rev. John B. Hicks is Associate Pastor of First Fellowship Ministries of Charlotte.

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