Honolulu Civil Beat - Selma at 50: A Day of Atonement

Op-Ed

by Mark Takai

Getting ready to leave Alabama and return to Washington, I can't help but still feel wonder at the surreal experience of this historic weekend commemorating the 50th anniversary of the "Bloody Sunday" Freedom March.

We visited the 16th Street Baptist Church and crossed the famous Edmond Pettus Bridge, but Sunday was actually the highlight of our pilgrimage to Alabama.

Today, we heard from Peggy Wallace Kennedy, the daughter of former Gov. George Wallace. She spoke of the moment when her then-young son Burns asked, "Why did papa do those things to other people?" At that moment, she said she realized that the mantle had passed and it was time to do "for Burns what my father didn't do for me."

"Papa never told me why he did those things," she said to young Burns. "But I know he was wrong. It will have to be up to you and me to help make things right."

Tears welled up in my eyes and I know I wasn't the only one struggling with deep emotions at the foot of the State Capitol in Montgomery.

Like those of us who walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge this weekend, she spoke about the time in 2009 when she walked across with Congressman Lewis. "That walk with you helped me understand the power of forgiveness and gave me the courage to speak my own voice," she said, looking toward Lewis.

On Sunday, in front of us, the daughter of the late former Alabama governor, who stubbornly stood against the civil rights movement, recognized Congressman Lewis.

"Fifty years ago, you stood here in front of your State Capitol and sought an opportunity as a citizen of Alabama to be recognized and heard by your governor … and he refused," she said. "But today, as his daughter and as a person of my own, I want to do for you what my father should have done and recognize you for your humanity and for your dignity as a child of God, as a person of good will and character and as a fellow Alabamian and say, "welcome home.'"

As Congressman Lewis hugged Ms. Kennedy, I thought about the amazing events that have brought us to this point and about the rich and proud history of the civil rights movement.

I am so moved, grateful and honored to have been able to experience this journey. Hawaii has long stood as a beacon of racial integration and equality for all. But at the same time, across the world, and even in Hawaii and the 49 other states, ugly attacks to undermine freedom and liberty are still taking place.

The civil rights movement accomplished great things, but as President Obama reminded us Saturday, "The work is not done." And it is up to all of us to make sure that we finish the fight waged all those years ago in Selma.

Once again I would like to extend my warmest and deepest mahalo to all those who have stood up in the face of oppression. The courage and determination of the Freedom Marchers continues to inspire, and this trip has left its mark deeply on me.

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