Martin Luther King Day
by Carolyn Classen on Jan. 18, 2010, under Arts, Life, Politics
Today is the annual holiday (and MLK March and Celebration at Reid Park) in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.– who eloquently spoke on August 28, 1963 when he marched on Washington, D.C. Click here for the full text of his “I Have a Dream” speech.
This is one of the most famous quotes from that historic speech: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
I hope that now in this 21st century (and nearly 42 years since King was assassinated) that we are living in a nation where a person is not judged by their skin color, but by their deeds and actions and character.
As an Asian Pacific Islander who has been judged negatively by my skin color (and facial features) I can attest that this is not a pleasant experience. But I have hope for race relations in America, especially with our “color-blind” young people like my son and his friends. I have that dream that what King said in 1963 has come true today.
Enjoy today’s MLK festivities at Reid Park, 10 to 5 p.m. Most of the celebration is at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center near the NE corner of S. Country Club and E. 22nd St.
Also today, free showing at the Loft Theater (3233 E. Speedway) of the MLK Day Film Projet (pro-zhay) film competition based on the concept of “Beloved Community” as taught by Dr. KIng Jr. Winning submissions will premier at 5:30 p.m. with awards in various categories. Topics for the original short films (5 minutes or less) include “nonviolence, service, grassroots, education, justice, reconciliation, love and redemption.”
Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
