Andy Kim Profile picture
Jan 17, 2022 14 tweets 6 min read Read on X
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!

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More from @AndyKimNJ

Mar 1
This is the most telling photo I’ve seen — Trump/Vance berating a wartime leader fighting against invasion directly in front of a bust of Churchill. It looks like Churchill is seated in the back, watching Trump kill the very US-Europe alliance that Churchill helped forge. THREAD Image
Why was the Oval Office exchange so humiliating to watch? It’s because every American alive today was born after the Greatest Generation led America’s rise to global leadership. What we saw yesterday was a surrender that could very well lead to American decline. 2/10 Image
What we saw was a retreat from three basic pillars of American leadership: reliability, values, and impact. These are pillars that have been built over generations - from Americans landing on the beaches of Normandy onwards. 3/10 Image
Read 10 tweets
Feb 3
As Trump and Musk gut USAID today, I think back to my first day ever working for the US gov, showing up at the Reagan Building to start at USAID. Shame on them for demonizing Americans who are serving our nation, often in difficult and dangerous places. THREAD Image
We can have a policy debate about how much to spend internationally or what programs to fund, but their hate and paranoia towards other Americans go much deeper. I’m proud I worked at USAID. 2/8
I worked in USAID/Africa bureau where we helped rehabilitate former child soldiers in Uganda, helped with an emerging famine in Malawi. Trump admin complains about China’s growing influence in Africa but then shuts down one of our best tools to fight this. 3/8
Read 8 tweets
Jan 21
I just talked to the family of Officer Brian Sicknick, who was killed on Jan 6. He grew up in NJ, served his nation, but was assaulted and killed. His assailants sentenced to prison until pardoned by Trump. Let us lift up Sicknick’s name and memory: THREAD Image
Officer Sicknick’s family’s pain today was so deep. That Trump used his first hours in office pardoning so many involved in that attack on the Capitol including the two of the assailants that attacked Officer Sicknick. It was a betrayal. 2/7 Image
Let’s lift up Officer Sicknick’s name. Let’s remind everyone that an officer was attacked and killed that day. Sicknick laid in state in the Capitol Rotunda, honored by our nation as lawmakers from BOTH sides of the aisle, and now those who killed him are free. 3/7 Image
Read 7 tweets
Jan 13
I’ve been asked what it means to be 1st Korean American Senator. On this Korean American day, I want to share a photo of the home where my mom grew up during Korean War. America opened its doors and helped her become a nurse. Last week she stood with me as I was sworn in. THREAD Image
And it isn’t just my mom’s story. Over 120 yrs since the first Koreans came to America. Now there are 2 million Korean Americans. 24 million Asian Americans. Asian Americans are not monolithic. 

I of course do not speak for all, nor is my story and experience reflective of all. 2/10Image
In fact I’ve struggled with my identity over my life. At times I resisted the label Korean/Asian American and snapped back with “I’m just American.” 

I never would have imagined that Korean culture would become hugely popular between BTS, Squid Game, Korean BBQ, K-dramas etc. 3/10Image
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Read 10 tweets
Jan 6
I’m walking through the Capitol this morning and took some photos in the same spots as what we saw 4 years ago Image
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Read 9 tweets
Dec 21, 2024
Many in north/central NJ are worried about odor/taste of water coming out of the tap. As a father of two boys, I absolutely understand your worries. I talked with heads of NJ Dept of Environmental Protection and American Water.

Here are 4 key questions I asked: THREAD Image
IS THE WATER SAFE? 

DEP/American Water report that water is well within NJ standards, which are some of the strictest in nation. They test for 100s of kinds of metals/ chemical compounds. Results are either non-detection or very low and far below levels of health concerns. 2/10
DO WE KNOW SOURCE OF ODOR/TASTE?

I completely understand if that explanation of water safety is not totally reassuring to those of you that smell/taste something wrong. You have a right to be concerned. Absolute key is identifying what is the compound that is causing the odor. 3/10
Read 10 tweets

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