Remembering M.L.K.
EDITOR’S COMMENTARY
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR’S LEGACY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, by Wayne Hodges
LAWRENCE, Kan – On Sunday, January 24, the University of Kansas hosted a Celebration Banquet in honor of the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., served as the honorable keynote speaker for the famed event. During the ceremony, Dr. King’s legacy was brought to the forefront signifying the glaring obvious: King was, is, and forever will be the greatest orator in world history. Cleaver, a great speaker in his own right, did an admirable job of describing, in full detail, King’s prolific achievements. Yes, the party was truly a celebration of celebrations. And the University of Kansas should be commended. Outstanding job!
Speaking of celebration, I have a few thoughts to share about Dr. King. The Atlanta-born Baptist preacher was, in my opinion, the unquestioned leader of the civil rights movement. King fought hard to suppress hate and discrimination in an era (mid-20th century) immersed in low tolerance for racial cohesion. King’s relentless approach to obtain justice was lauded by people of all ages and colors. As African-Americans, it’s imperative we remain cognizant of this simple little fact: King received unwavering support from Whites, Hispanics and Asians too. Seriously, his affection was unbiased. King often spoke of his love for all races of people.
MLK’s legacy can be defined through his protests. As far as I’m concerned, the most memorable struggle took place inside the prejudice-filled borders of Montgomery, Alabama several decades ago. As a peaceful act of retaliation, King (pictured above) organized and led the famous bus boycott in support of Rosa Parks back in good ‘ole 1955. Thanks to King and Parks, African-Americans can now sit peacefully at the front of the bus. That may not sound like much in these ungrateful times. But the victory would go on to pave the road for the many rights and freedoms we enjoy today. And, of course, how can we forget the classic 1963 March on Washington where King delivered his historic “I have a dream” speech? The national address, unprecedented at the time, was viewed by millions of observers worldwide.
One of the things I admire most about King is his courage. Unlike these gutless cowards that haunt our communities today, MLK never shied away from conflict. As a matter of fact, King’s political demonstrations/acts of civil disobedience were often met with nefarious tactics, hate crimes, unwarranted arrests and inhumane violence. Yet, there never came a day when King backed down from what he determined to be morally wrong. The fact his protests were 100% non-violent speaks volumes about King’s character and spiritual well-being. His unmatched charisma, flawless leadership and sparkling nobility would eventually lead to worldwide recognition. At the vibrant age of 35, King became the youngest recipient ever to claim the coveted Nobel Peace Prize.
The pursuit of salvation, as we’re all painfully aware, cost King his life. While standing on the balcony of his hotel room, MLK was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968. Prior to his death, King delivered this heartwarming quote: “I just want to do God’s will. And he’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.” Dr. King’s legacy is untarnished. His soul everlasting. And he is, without question, the greatest orator to ever walk the face of the earth.
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Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also an adjunct professor, MPA at Kansas University, and intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
To view Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech, click the play arrow.
January 19th, 2010 at 6:29 am
a good man true at heart. laid down his life so we can enjoy ours
January 19th, 2010 at 7:43 am
Dr. King is the greatest civil rights leader of all time bar none. More men should use him as a role model instead of learning from the wrong element in the streets. I agree with Breena…MLK gave his life for us to have freedom and equal opportunity. He would flip in his grave if he knew what was going on in the black community today.
January 19th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Hey Wayne!
Great Job on facts about M.L.K..
While most white folks only remember the “T.V.” speech,my favorite speech was “Why I’m Opposed To The War In Vietnam”.King talked about the fact that Lyndon Johnson was basically willing to scrap the “War On Poverty” to escalate the U.S. participation in Southeast Asia.He also voiced his support for Muhammad Ali’s unwillingness to be inducted into the Army to and fight other poor people.While I thought the “I have a dream ” speech was very dramatic, I was made aware that King had a speech prepared for April 5,1968,the day after he was assasinated,entitled “Why America Is Going To Hell”.Sounds a little like Jerimiah Wright?
January 30th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Wayne this is an outstanding tribute to Dr. King! GREAT JOB!!!