Dr. King's day is one of the most joyous, profound and challenging holidays for me. In years past we have tried to find ways to speak out, to stand up with the needy and oppressed, to somehow, in my own small way, take up the torch left to us by Dr. King. I value this day too, to allow me to meditate on, and re-consider the legacy of courage and commitment modeled by Dr. King.
The other day, Deb and I sat in front of the fire in our home and read aloud Dr. King's address at the Riverside Baptist Church in NYC in 1967. In this speech Dr. King came out against the VietNam war, risking backlash from his erstwhile supporters in government. Bu, Dr. King not only displayed courage. His analysis, the reasoning he lays out for his decision brought depth, and breadth and clarity to a movement that was struggling for a path forward. This man, under constant death threat, under surveillance by and subject to covert attack by out own security state, nevertheless, took a stand for peace and justice. I think about this when I consider my own willingness to stand up and speak out against racism, and fascism, and sexual assault and economic inequality. Listening to Doctor King gives me courage and inspiration.
Here is a link to the written speech, and here is the audio link, though not of the best quality. It is good to hear his voice, and cadence, and prophetic oratory.
Here, also, are three links to
wonderful music that celebrates the achievements led so thoughtfully and
with great sacrifice by our brother Martin.
Stevie Wonder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KibW1FBhQlU
King Chorus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGKW3O6EpMo
Mason Jennings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHpvpLquOWk
Hopefully, these bits of unity and hope will help carry us through the
struggles ahead in the new year.
Mr. Leki
The other day, Deb and I sat in front of the fire in our home and read aloud Dr. King's address at the Riverside Baptist Church in NYC in 1967. In this speech Dr. King came out against the VietNam war, risking backlash from his erstwhile supporters in government. Bu, Dr. King not only displayed courage. His analysis, the reasoning he lays out for his decision brought depth, and breadth and clarity to a movement that was struggling for a path forward. This man, under constant death threat, under surveillance by and subject to covert attack by out own security state, nevertheless, took a stand for peace and justice. I think about this when I consider my own willingness to stand up and speak out against racism, and fascism, and sexual assault and economic inequality. Listening to Doctor King gives me courage and inspiration.
Here is a link to the written speech, and here is the audio link, though not of the best quality. It is good to hear his voice, and cadence, and prophetic oratory.
Here, also, are three links to
wonderful music that celebrates the achievements led so thoughtfully and
with great sacrifice by our brother Martin.
Stevie Wonder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KibW1FBhQlU
King Chorus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGKW3O6EpMo
Mason Jennings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHpvpLquOWk
Hopefully, these bits of unity and hope will help carry us through the
struggles ahead in the new year.
Mr. Leki
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