Hero’s message: Have courage as Martin Luther King Jr. did

Jacqueline Hankins Berry is a community engagement administrative associate at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, where she is the co-chair of the institute’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. She was honored in 2022 as UNMC and Nebraska Medicine’s inaugural Unsung Hero Award recipient. Her column appeared in the January MMI Monthly newsletter.

On Monday, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine will announce the second annual Unsung Hero Award recipient, and as a nation we will celebrate a holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As I reflect on being recognized as the inaugural recipient of the 2022 Unsung Hero Award, I consider it the true capstone of my professional and personal life. To be noticed at all for one’s passion is always appreciated, but to receive this honor on the day we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy made me abundantly thankful.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most highly regarded civil rights leaders from 1955 until 1968. He brought hope and healing to African Americans and a nation. Dr. King reminds me that we have much to celebrate, and much yet to strive for. 

Martin Luther King Jr. is the embodiment of patriotism and a symbol of what it means to stand up for what you believe in, even when the odds are against you. Dr. King proves that creating change never comes easy. So for us to become true change agents, we must have courage, just as Dr. King did, to see it through. Dr. King was selfless to our nation. We must be willing to serve others without receiving anything in return. Finally, Dr. King showed us what having faith looks like ― not faith in the religious or spiritual sense, but a strong belief that the change for diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging we work so hard for will come. Dr. King’s faith was on display during his last speech when he said: “I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know … we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.” Believe that the change you are fighting and working tirelessly for will come, and it will.

I keep those words from Dr. King’s speech close to my heart. The promised land is where people with disabilities are individuals with different abilities, people will judge on content of character not color of skin, and women will be afforded equal economic opportunities.  

To the 2023 Unsung Hero Award recipient, dare to soar, commit to excellence and treat difficult challenges as the foundation of every great accomplishment. Thank you for shining through.

I offer my heartfelt congratulations.

“We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”

― Martin Luther King Jr.