Thread by @AndyKimNJ

I live 3 blocks from the most unknown MLK landmark in America. This plaque sits unseen among overrun grass/empty beer bottles at a traffic intersection. Here is the story of one of a most formative moments in MLK’s early life, his first sit-in, that history forgot.THREAD #MLKDay

In June 1950, 6yrs before the Montgomery bus boycott, a 21y/o MLK went to a bar called Mary’s Place on Rt 73 in NJ with 3 friends. He was a seminary student nearby. They sat at a table, but after being ignored by a server, MLK went to the bar to order beer and 4 glasses. 2/13

The bartender, Ernest Nichols, said it was too late in the night to sell alcohol due to state laws. MLK then ordered 4 ginger ales. “Best thing would be for you to leave,” the bartender told MLK. 3/13

But MLK and friends didn’t move a muscle. They defiantly sat still in their seats refusing to leave. Years later MLK would recall “It was a painful experience because we decided to sit in.” But the situation quickly got worse and dangerous… 4/13

The bartender started yelling then pulled out a .45 caliber handgun, walked outside, and fired it into the air. King and friends were shaken by the experience and reported the bartender to the police. The bartender was later arrested, but the case was eventually dismissed. 5/13

Walter McCall, who was with MLK that night, claimed it was MLK’s "first civil rights struggle,” at this unremarkable intersection in suburban NJ. It is even believed to be MLK’s first documented case of civil rights protest and legal engagement; his name signed in the corner6/13

On the plaque is a quote: “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” I cannot think of a more apt quote for our time as we face threats to our democracy. 7/13

But to understand its full meaning, it’s important to look at the preceding sentence. “Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' But, conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?'” 8/13

Cowardice, expediency, vanity and conscience. MLK’s words sound as if they were written today as hatred tears us apart. To heal our nation, it may not be safe, politic, or popular. Inaction is easy to justify, but meaningful action to actually find solutions takes conscience.9/13

MLK spoke these words at his final Sunday sermon 4 days before his murder. He was 39. I just realized I am 104 days older and am experiencing days he never could. But I’m also humbled by his courage and wisdom that seems beyond what one can attain over many lifetimes. 10/13

MLK’s wisdom wasn’t innate. Experiences like what he had in NJ shaped his thinking and actions. I lived for years intimidated by his moral fortitude, but I realize our celebration of his personage is not to separate him from us but instead to push us to rise to his example. 11/13

I grew up here but never knew this incredible story until recently. This history may well have disappeared and I’m grateful to locals including Patrick Duff who uncovered the details and kept it alive. Reminds us that the fight for civil rights is everywhere and always.12/13

I will spend today cleaning up this historic site of MLK’s first sit-in. The bar building is gone now, but I hope you read and share this story to keep the memory alive. And I hope all of us reflect on the question of conscience in the decisions in our lives — “Is it right?” END

My little boys were such great helpers to clean up the historic site just now. I got to tell them about the story of MLK here. Thanks to whoever put flowers at the historic marker. Let’s take care of our history. Got to go as I promised my boys hot cocoa now!