More than two score ago, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King traveled to Mecca and India respectively. Their travels drastically changed both of their philosophies and proved to be a central element in their respective recognition that the seemingly vast world in which we live is actually very finite and interconnected.
In King’s case, his visit to India in the 1950’s yielded an introduction to the work of Mahatma Gandhi and the principles of non-violence. In Malcolm X’s case, his pilgrimage to Mecca came near the end of his life, but it was no less of an awakening with respect to his acceptance of the interconnectivity and genuine goodness and interdependency of mankind. For each man the journey overseas led to a profound realization that the destiny of African Americans was truly a global destiny - one that must perpetually draw from an array of international relationships to be successful.
I was reminded of the timelessness of their recognitions when the Los Angeles Urban League led a historic high-level, African American delegation to China. The delegation, which was comprised of twelve African American civic, business, educational, and theological leaders, departed on an intentional mission to inject African Americans into the 21st Century discussions on the global economy.
Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook
Learn more about the Urban League's efforts at Crenshaw High School.
