Episode 40: The Practice of Remaining Awake

Send us Fan MailIn this special MLK Day episode, Emma and I reflect on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the meaning of remaining awake during times of social upheaval, and what it means to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice in everyday life.Inspired by Dr. King’s 1968 sermon Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution, the conversation weaves together history, current political realities, the concept of the Beloved Community, and the courage of young people to tell the truth without fear. Along the way, Emma offers her own “chicken nugget wisdom,” reminding us that awakening is not about knowing everything, but about refusing to look away.Chapters00:58 – Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.02:01 – Crispus Attucks Community Center and Keynote Speaker03:40 – Dr. King's Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution09:58 – Identity and Race Conversations23:41 – Proactive vs. Reactive Actions25:08 – Reflecting on 2020 Protests and Public Statements26:43 – The Trump Era and Divisiveness31:20 – The Concept of the Beloved Community38:01 – John Lewis' Good Trouble and Youth Courage47:46 – Final Thoughts and WisdomEmma offers her closing “Chicken Nugget Wisdom,” reminding listeners:Don’t fall asleep to what’s happeningDon’t overwhelm yourself into despairTalk to young people, because they hold wisdom adults often forgetListener ReflectionWhere have you noticed yourself waking up, or drifting back to sleep?What values guide your actions when comfort is tempting?When was the first time you made good trouble? (Thanks for this question, Frederick Joseph!)ReferencesRev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. BreakfastThe King CenterFredrick JosephTogether, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation by Congressman John LewisRachel Dolezal, 10 Years Later: What Happened to the Woman Who Pretended to Be Black?Homestead Act 1862Connect with Me:Instagram: @natural_inclinationYoutube: @naturalinclinationTikTok: Amber SessomsLinkedIn: Dr. Amber M. Sessoms, NCSPBluesky: @ambersessoms.bsky.socialFacebook: Natural InclinationWebsite: www.aninclination.comLike, Comment, Share, EngageIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would love these conversations. Engage with the Curiosity Cards and ask the youth in your life about their experiences because you might be surprised by what you learn. Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments or on social media using #LivingIn3DPower. And, don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for next week’s conversation!