I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Whenever I read a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. it always fills my heart with more love, compassion, and appreciation for every individual. It reminds me of the sacrifice he made to change the culture of our society into one that recognizes the value in each person.
His legacy is one that transcends race or politics. It is one grounded in the power of love and the power of the human spirit when focused on and committed to being an agent of change. I’ve recently been feeling that pull even more. To follow in his footsteps of wanting to make positive change in our communities. And any one of us can take part in that. Think of a part of our world in which you want to see positive change, and figure out what you will do to help make it happen.
Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream that, at its core, is really the right of every human: equality. That no matter what skin complexion you have, what your family background is, or your economic status… you are treated fairly and given equal rights from the very beginning.
As an African American woman, I am not blind to the journey before us. We have long way to go in the area of equality, but I am celebrating how far we have come.
One of things I love about MLK is that he empowers us not to be silent. To find our voice in the world even in the midst of noise and confusion. Our voice, once found, can be used as a positive and empowering commitment to growth and unity.
His legacy embraces compassion over violence. His nonviolent movement was an example of how to lead and be that voice in the face of adversity. His life and voice lives on, and the journey to see this country changed lives on.
** If you are looking for ways to teach your children about his legacy or want to take part in celebrating the life and legacy of this great man, see some local activities and events below:
Event: King Blvd. Block Party
Date: January 17, 2021, 3 – 4:30PM
Location: Virtual
Description: Join us as we celebrate MLK BLVD and showcase the upcoming King Blvd Feature Film! During the event, attendees will learn about the film from the creative team behind the project, take part in a community panel and enjoy the talents of Spoken Word & Musical Artists.
Event: 2021 MLK Youth Summit {Virtual}
Date: January 18, 2021, 6 PM
Location: Virtual – Microsoft Teams Link
Description: Join the Dallas Youth Commission for the 2021 MLK Youth Summit as they celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The video sessions and live virtual event will feature information how to make a difference in Texas through leadership and civic engagement and a keynote from Congressman Colin Allred, District 32. All students must be registered in order to attend.
Event: Wreath Laying Ceremony
Date: January 19, 2021, 10 AM
Location: Virtual – Microsoft Teams Link
Description: The City of Dallas and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center invites the community to watch its Wreath Laying Ceremony online, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Event: 2021 MLK Celebration Job Fair {Virtual}
Date: January 20, 2021, 10AM -2PM
Location: Virtual – Microsoft Teams Link
Description: The MLK Celebration Job Fair is brought to you by the City of Dallas and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas. Multiple employers and community resources will be attending and ready to connect with you via Chat sessions.
