Jan 14, 2005  |  By: RHONDA SMITH  | COMMENTS     

has been one of our most outspoken allies. Her comments suggest that her husband, who was born on Jan. 15, 1929, would have been supportive of our struggle.

Other African-American allies, including Rev. Al Sharpton, the former presidential candidate, and Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.), also have spoken eloquently about backing gay rights, including marriage equality.

Nevertheless, many black politicians who we should be able to count on as allies continue to take their cues from Bill Clinton, John Kerry, and other political liberals who have stopped short of supporting our push for equal marriage rights.

Incoming U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), for example, has said he supports gay civil rights but not “gay marriage.” At times like this, we must be comfortable making our case for full equality alone, when necessary.

“Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals,” King wrote during the late 1950s in “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story.”

“Without persistent effort, time itself becomes an ally of the insurgent and primitive forces of irrational emotionalism and social destruction,” he said. “This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”