For those who have been following the recent events in Egypt, the world saw the people rise up to voice their opposition to the what they believed was an unjust and tyrannical government. While I am not Egyptian, nor do I live in their country, I'm still in awe of their accomplishment. They showed that change can happen, without the need for violence.
There has been much debate on the U.S role in the events in Egypt. Dalia Ziada, Egypt Director of the American Islamic Congress, is giving credit an American who she claims to have inspired a generation of Egyptians to take to the streets in a nonviolent protest that has changed the course of their nation. That man is Dr.Martin Luther King,Jr.,and his message was transmitted by way of a 50-year-old comic book recently translated into Arabic and distributed throughout the Middle East.
Publlished in 1958 by the Fellowship of Reconciliation, "The Montgomery Story" was a comic book that dealt explicitly with Dr. King's philosophy of non-violent civil disobedience, specifically with respect to the legendary Montgomery Bus Boycott. The book included a how-to section that demonstrated how the practice can actually yield results. According to the website, The Montgomery Story sold more than 250,000 copies.
The American Islamic Congress is a non-profit group founded in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 to confront intolerance against Muslims, and later to promote peace and civil rights throughout the Arabic world. The AIC's HAMSA initiative - designed to link civil rights groups throughout the Middle East, undertook the project in 2008 to translate The Montgomery Story into Arabic (and later Farsi). With the endorsement of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Ziada distributed 2,000 copies of the comic throughout the Middle East.
Speaking to the History News Network Ziada stated,"The main message I hope that Arabic readers will take from the MLK comic book is that: change is not impossible. It is time to stop using our muscles blindly. Let's try using our intellect in innovative, creative ways to pressure decision makers and end dictatorship, tyranny and the suppression practiced against us."
And in a recent newsletter to AIC supports, Ziada shared this story:
"When, at first, we went to print the comic book, a security officer blocked publication. So we called him and demanded a meeting. He agreed, and we read through the comic book over coffee to address his concerns. At the end, he granted permission to print and then asked: "Could I have a few extra copies for my kids?"
"The comic book has been credited with inspiring young activists in Egypt and the larger region (we have a Farsi version as well). Last week I distributed copies in Tahrir Square. Seeing the scene in the square firsthand is amazing. Despite violent attacks and tanks in the street, young people from all walks of life are coming together, organizing food and medical care, and offering a living model of free civil society in action."