Monday, January 17, 2005

The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today we celebrate what would have been the 76th birthday of Rev. Dr. King of blessed memory. A gifted preacher, humanitarian, peacemaker and diligant pursuer of non-violent response to violence, our world misses his presence today.

Yesterday afternoon/early evening I had the pleasure of participating in my local community's interfaith celebration of his life and work. Programs such as this one (filled with music, preaching, prayers, donations and dedication to keep the dream alive) recharge and refill some of my batteries. There is something very powerful about diversity. Collective energy from various sources channelled toward similar goals feeds me and, I believe, the community in important and unique ways.

If you have not yet revisted King's life, work and mission, please take some time today to do so. Here are some websites that can help you do that:
(Wtih thanks to Radio Free Newport)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project at Stanford Univeristy
Text of the “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963. [Source: Martin Luther King, Jr: The Peaceful Warrior, Pocket Books, NY 1968]
National Civil Rights Museum
NPR Archive of King's Speeches
The King We've Lost
Social Action & King's Birthday
The Reverend and the Rabbi: An Impassioned Call for Black-Jewish Justice Work

May we continue King's work and bring respect, honor, understanding and non-violence into our world.

Your sister thriver,
Leah

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