Series: Dangerous unselfishness
Why Martin Luther King’s words feel urgent in Minnesota today | 5 min read
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Today, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, these words feel urgent in Minnesota.
Our community is on edge. Fear, grief, and anxiety around our safety and basic rights are very real.
This isn’t politics. It’s about caring for each other. Making sure everyone, especially the most vulnerable, feels safe, not scared. Dignity, not shame. And that they belong here, in our community and in our country.
Dr. King called this ‘dangerous unselfishness’. Here’s what that looks like:
🤍 Choosing compassion over fear and self-interest.
🤍 Asking ‘what happens to others if I don’t act’ not ‘what happens to me if I do.’
🤍 Resisting comfort and convenience when justice requires action.
Dr. King modeled how to use our voice and power, lead with courage, and stand with our neighbors.
On January 7, Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen and mom of three was shot and killed by a U.S. ICE agent. That moment shook us—and has forced us to confront the real risk everyday people face when injustice hits so close to home.
At the same time, I feel deep pride being a Minnesotan. I’ve seen dangerous unselfishness show up again and again here–restoring hope, humanity, and community power.
Read my full reflections here of the events in MN on LinkedIn:
- What it’s like in our state right now link
- Know your rights and why this matters link
- How you can help (in MN and beyond) link
- Dangerous unselfishness in practice link
- How to care for yourself link
- Where do we go from here link
It’s our collective duty to speak up and show up, even when it feels uncomfortable.
As Dr. King said, “the time is always right to do what is right.”
Learn more about what I’m fighting for here.
