I’m watching the slow death of a San Francisco Bay Area tradition that reminds us of our ongoing struggle as a nation toward true brotherhood. Yes, it harkens back to establishing freedom for the Blacks, but it’s also a prompt to consider our attitudes and behaviors toward people of all races, creeds, and nationalities.
I’m referring to the Freedom Train—the only official one in the U.S.—sponsored by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Assn. of Santa Clara Valley. Ridership is down after 29 years, supposedly because the NAACP withdrew its support a few years ago over acceptance of donations made by San Jose police at the same time they (allegedly) were mistreating minorities.
Whatever the cause, as of this morning, only 300 tickets have been sold, and if more people don’t pay the $15 ($10 for seniors, disabled, kids under 18) to ride and celebrate on Monday, this will be the last year for the train.
If you live in the SF Bay Area and are interested, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/512027 to purchase a ticket today (must buy ticket there). Otherwise, see if there’s an unofficial Freedom Train in your area.