In one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s final speeches delivered shortly before his assassination Titled “Why I oppose the Vietnam War”, one can witness a shift in his tone, inflection, and purpose as most leaders do as they mature in the struggle. The soft-spoken, even-tempered orator allowed for pointed inscriptions along with powerful anecdotal messages that exposed the fabric of his beloved country. In-addition, his message resonated throughout the world as he visited many countries in Europe as a dignitary. As the civil right struggle leveled off and found the natural plateau of change; Dr. King’s was required to manage between the traditional approaches to confrontation such as sit in, peaceful protest, and organized resistance to a more controversial arena such as war rallies, bring home the troops, openly criticizing the federal government.

In his Book, “The Strength to Love”, again, he had to come to his own grip with his own frailties, as the burden of a community finally was beginning to take a toll on his spiritual and his emotional well-being. Throughout the Book he engaged in self talk; encouraging himself to remain strong and committed when all else would fail. He also questioned his own spirituality, which should not come as a surprise to any of us since we have our own cross to bear.

With the emphasis placed on Strength and Courage, one can only begin to ask questions such as, are we at the point when we question our own strength and commitment as it relates to working towards a better Virgin Islands? Are we going to throw in the proverbial towel or wave the White Flag? Should we cut our losses and make peace with the hell of a condition we are living in? Should we accept irresponsible government? Are we going to vote for the same people that are posturing as Senators or Governors and expect different results?

With the events that are currently facing each Virgin Islander today, we must recognize and in accord repeat the following phrase, I will be silent no more!

Obligated to making the complicated decisions not only intended at the poor of this country or those in the working class which carries the load on the society, Dr. King ensured his community that he will neither acquiesce nor display juvenile tendencies that are so customary in many of our legislative hearings. With the many challenging issues facing our community such Crime, Poor Education and poorly maintained facilities, Fatherless Children, financial short falls, lack of concern for the environment, problems with the retirement system, woefully low graduation rate of the Black Male student at our local University, we are left with know choice but to let our voices be heard.

As Dr. King said, “There comes a time when Silence is Betrayal”. Our community has been silent for too long and now the silence has climaxed into a deafening volume of pain, discomfort, greed, envy, suspicion, murder, robbery, corruption, white-collar crimes, and mistrust for not only the poor, the working poor and the working class.

We can probably figure out how we got to this point within the next 25 yrs; however, let us not wait that long. Let us begin the re-evolution through active participation and community unity.

The day you voted, should not be the last contact you had with the individual or individuals you voted for. If they do not look for you, then you should look for them. Preferably, with a group of friends like the Bovoni Homeowners Association, Friends of Mandal Bay, Save Lindbergh Bay, Friends of Bakkroe Estate, West End Alliance, and African Liberation Day Org. All of these groups have demonstrated how important it is to be vocal and not permit business as usual, to be the norm.

You will not have many friends in the legislature so remain close to your family, friends and community organizations. Join a reputable organization; you do not have a start one. Attend the schedule meetings. Give your time, talent, and presence to the organization. Commit to your role and function in the organization. Make every effort to be a good member and carry out the mission of the organization. If we deem a better day for the residents of this territory; our active participation is mandatory!

We cannot change our family members nor change our neighborhood with the greatest of ease; however, our election season is but a short term away and I trust that this commentary along with all of the efforts of our strong community organizations, will not go silently into the midnight; hence, recognizing, remaining Silent is Betrayal.

Clarence Payne

St. Thomas