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January 11, 2008
Martin Luther King Jr.
The Bryant Library is participating in two great events coming up in celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The first is being held at the Roslyn Middle School on Tuesday, January 15th (the day of his actual birthday), at 7:30 p.m. The keynote speaker is Reverent Joel L. King, Jr., a first cousin of Dr. King and a minister from Ohio. The second event is being held at the library on Sunday, January 20th at 2:00 p.m., and features a one hour documentary of Dr. King's life, followed by a talk by Pastor Victor Lewis of the Friendship Baptist Church.
Why do we hold programs in Martin Luther King's honor and not instead remember him by closing the library? Because his message was so important, effects so many people and is just as relevant today as it was then. Some of the values that Dr. King taught through example are: courage, truth, justice, compassion, service and nonviolence. I don't know about you, but in this election year, these are qualities that I am always looking for (and don't often find) in a potential Presidential candidate.
This year, it seems that lots of young people are coming out to vote and have the possibility of ultimately swaying the vote. An essay on the Meaning of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, written by Coretta Scott King, says, "This is not a black holiday; it is a peoples' holiday. And it is the young people of all races and religions who hold the keys to the fulfillment of his dream."
Bravo to today's young people for being an active group. And, as Mrs. King said, "May we who follow Martin now pledge to serve humanity, promote his teachings and carry forward his legacy into the 21st Century [and beyond]."
See the official website for suggestions for more information and/or activities. For other thoughts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, from previous blog posts: 2006, or 2007
Posted by Michele at January 11, 2008 10:44 AM
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