Last week, with the opening of the Washington, D.C. memorial, our country rightfully honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His powerful voice summoned the non-violent protest of the infringement of civil rights of the African-American community.

Learning about King's speech and our American Civil War history in elementary school, I remember thinking, "I wished I lived north of the Mason-Dixon line. Those who fought to free slaves didn't come from my neck of the woods." Whenever we were taught about the Civil War, I always gravitated to the issue of slavery. Many argue, with historic confirmations, that slavery was not the issue of that war. However, slavery still remains a horrid mark on the legacy of young America (Though slavery was prominent in the South when it was abolished, it was not limited to the southern states. In fact, New York has its own troubling slave history.)

As a TV-watching kid, I saw quite a few shows dealing with race growing up. One sitcom in particular tackled the issue in such a way that its clear message has stayed with me ever since.

Saved by the Bell, an early '90s popular teen show, aired an episode in its second season called "Running Zack". Zack Morris and his Bayside High School friends realize their roots as they complete a family tree project for class. During the episode, Jessie realizes her family owned slaves. Upon discovering her friend, Lisa, had ancestors who were slaves, Jessie does everything humanly possible to make up for the guilt she feels. Lisa reassures Jessie that the faults of her ancestors aren't hers to bear.

Their conversation hit home with me. At a young age, I discovered my great-great-grandfather Elisha was a slave owner. When I first heard this family history, I felt ashamed as Jessie did. Years later, more of the story was shared with me. The selflessness of my great-great-grandfather's slave, Elijah, saved Elisha's life during the Civil War. Elijah rode about 100 miles to recover injured Elisha at a war hospital outside of Richmond, Va. To get my Elisha home, Elijah walked next to the horse, stopping several times to care for my ancestor's life-threatening wounds. Instead of taking the opportunity to seek freedom for himself, Elijah trudged on, determined to get Elisha home. In gratitude for Elijah's sacrifice, my grandfather split the farmland, giving portions of the property to Elijah's family, property that his ancestor's still own today.

Hearing the incredible family story of how my great-great-grandfather was saved by the man he owned touched my soul. Even the sins of ruling over a man, as if he were property, can be forgiven. God can bless generations despite the sins of their fathers. All we can be eternally responsible for is what we believe, say, and do.