As a society we rarely stand still. We celebrate, observe anniversaries, and seek to be helpful.
We are in a time of acknowledging the 50-year anniversary of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s death. He was shot April 4, 1968, a volatile time in American history. He took our society to a viewing point of living up to the venerable meaning of the U.S. Constitution that includes all of us and not just some of us. He paid with his life, just as does happen to those who seek changes which derive a shift and a movement of attitudes that hinder society.
This week and next week, commemoration of Dr. King’s life are prevalent in many ways.
Then, earlier this week, Bill Foster, 11th District U.S. congressman, was host to a gun violence presentation at Community Christian Church in Naperville. Somehow, there is a tie-in. See the photo and the caption on page 12. Some audience members said that the event was more of a lecture than a discussion, however, there still was value.
Dr. King’s 50-year anniversary of passing the Dream to youth was a celebration Sunday evening in Aurora at the Aurora City Council chambers. The members of BoysIIMen saw a video of Dr. King’s speech April 3, 1968, one day prior to his death by a gunman’s hand. In that speech, he majestically and prophetically said in his rich oratorical manner that he had been to the mountain top and those in the audience would go there, too, only he would not make the journey with them. See photos on pages 1 and 12.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” That was one of the many important saying by Dr. King. That quote is part of the non-violence movement celebration that will be held at North Central College’s Pfeiffer Hall in Naperville Thursday, April 12. The relatively new group, Unity Partnership, will be host to a workshop and program, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Mrs. Naomi Ruth King, Dr. King’s sister-in-law, will be the keynote speaker. Unity Partnership, under founder and president, Regina Brent, is in DuPage County, which includes Naperville and Aurora. Mrs. King will sign books at 5 p.m. and the DuPage AME Church’s inspirational choir will perform. Dr. Adrienne Coleman, diversity, equity, and inclusion expert, will hold a workshop.