When Malcom X returned from his pilgrimage to Mecca, he said basically, "You know what? I have met some new people, had some new experiences, and I have changed my mind."
That's a very brave and rare thing for anyone, and unheard of for a public figure. Can you name another off the top of your head? Can you name a single politician who said, "Hmm, maybe I'm wrong?"
Most people will go to great lengths, stretching logic to the breaking point, to avoid changing their minds. Pride gets in the way, and it becomes more important to win the argument than it is to be right.
So today, as you remember the bravery and persistence of the Civil Rights leaders, take a few minutes to appreciate the ordinary people who quietly saw what was going on, didn't like it, and changed their minds.
It's hard to admit it when we're wrong. It's hard to adapt to a new way of doing things.
The people who did so deserve a little credit, too.
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