Martin Luther King Day and My Dream for America

Christine feeding Mama Cat and Romeo

On this important date in history I am reminded how conflicts spark leading to violence and wars due to prejudice. Basically due to ignorance.

We know the stories in history of people belittled, degraded, attacked, unfairly treated in social, commercial, political and legislative aspects just because of the color of their skin or their religion or country of origin.

As a white, highly-educated female born and raised in the United States, I never imagined I would be a target of prejudice. And yet it has happened in recent years. Yes, I've been the subject of awkward glances, snickering, and verbal assault.  Why? Because I have a dream. I am a cat woman. In other words, I care for homeless, outdoor cats. But mostly because I have chosen to EDUCATE the mass public about the plight of homeless pets, especially the soaring number of cats.  To use my voice for the voiceless. Had I quietly gone about just feeding cats, my life would remain the same. Pets are a man's best friend and cats are the most common pet, outnumbering dogs in the U.S. Yet when they are abandoned, dumped in the street, multiplying, suffering, they are viewed as rodents.  This is far from the truth.

I soon learned that educating people about a concept riddled with misconceptions launched me into the battle of my life.

Thankfully, today came along, and I'm reminded how Martin Luther King fought against racism with powerful words, public marches-- both peaceful means.  Then I glanced at binders of books lined on my bookshelf of other heroes or rather heroines who fought also with the power of speech for their causes.  One was a little old lady, a widow, with no political connection or any measurable wealth who single handedly fought against deep-pocket developers, went to  Congress and in 1979 and saved the Art Deco buildings in South Beach from being demolished. The are artistic and have history.  Her name was Barbara Capitman. Today I honor that through my own business of offering Art Deco Walking Tours.  Then there is Marjory Stoneman Douglas, another little old lady who became an activist at the age of 70+ and fought to save the Florida Panthers and the Everglades.  These were women of vision and conviction.  Sure Barbara Capitman was called the Crazy Art Deco Lady and I can only imagine what they must have called Marjory Stoneman Douglas.  These figures, heroes remind of the phrase "One person can make a difference".  While my goal remains undeterred I pray others will join me sooner than later to make a difference and save lives. To lessen the suffering of animals and humans.

As Robin Roberts on Good Morning America so eloquently said this morning, "today is a reminder to use our voice, a day of service". So I will.

If you care to join me or learn about homeless pets, visit www.riverfrontcats.com