“[T]here are some things within our social order to which I am proud to be maladjusted and to which I call upon you to be maladjusted. I never intend to adjust myself to segregation and discrimination. I never intend to adjust myself to mob rule. I never intend to adjust myself to the tragic effects of the methods of physical violence and to the tragic militarism…God grant that we will be so maladjusted that we will be able to go out and change our world and our civilization …”
-The Power of Nonviolence” (June 4, 1957)
Today we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and I find myself meditating on his thoughts around resistance, love, justice and accountability. I will hold on tight to his words today and throughout the year as I navigate what it is to be an artist, a Black woman, a woman over 40, an American, a mother and so much more in 2025, in an era where it feels at times like a nightmare. Some compromises come at a cost, a price my soul won’t pay and that’s within myself, in my home, neighborhood, city, state, country and world. Denying the humanity of others will never be up for debate. Denying children and adults adequate education will never be ok. Families starving, on the brink of being unhoused while working multiple jobs with no benefits will never, ever be ok. I also use this as a reminder that I don’t have to align myself with anything or anyone should I be required to maladjust to what I know is wrong.
Be blessed and take care.
-Malkia
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