A LETTER TO MLK

BY LE'VAR HOWARD

Dear Dr. King,

I am sorry to tell you that in spite of all your efforts and greater power of words and passion, I write to you (your descendant) as a slave — a slave to a long-standing system with which we have been at war since before either of us was born. A system well known to us for its oppression, violence, racism, and hypocrisy. But even worse, through no fault of yours, I did this to myself. At a young age, I began to intoxicate my mind with substances and committed to a harmful way of life, against myself and against others. I committed treasons against myself, and against God — our God, our skin.

I am so sorry.

The struggles of those (like yourself) were lost on me until I came to know wisdom in my middle years. It hurts to know the shame I have caused you and those who follow you.

I do, however, wish you could see what you’ve created. There are positives in this world thanks to you. People from all over the world have come to know your words; you will always be remembered and loved as people come to know you. On my own journey, I found it too hard to live up to your inspiration. You never committed heinous acts such as I have. I do try more now than ever.

Thank you for all you have given. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for fighting when the world stood still. I will do my best to remember you and honor you with my craft, my work, and my gift.

Sincerely, a proud descendant of yours,

Le’Var Howard

LE’VAR HOWARD IS A PORTLAND, OREGON NATIVE. MOST OF HIS FAMILY COMES FROM GULF PORT, MISSISSIPPI, ATLANTA, TEXAS, AND OKLAHOMA. LE’VAR IS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE GROUND BENEATH US WRITING GROUP. HE TRACES INFLUENCES ON HIS WRITING TO HIS AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE.

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