Contributing Writer,
The third Monday in January – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – is a federal holiday in the United States. The life and legacy of King, one of the most influential leaders of the American Civil Rights Movement, is honored on this day. Many who remember the trials and triumphs of the movement and many who had not been born but had learned about the unrest during that time, attended the annual event held at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church’s Family Life Center. This year marked thirty-five years.
The crowd was a mixture of Hinds County Legislators, corporate partners, community service organizations, faith leaders, business leaders, professional leaders, students, and residents. Healing America from its sickness of social injustice and racism under God’s guidance was the dominant theme that glued all together. Drawing on this theme, they reminded this writer of Matthew 7: 24-27, where Jesus compares those who hear and put His words to practice to a wise man who built his house on a rock, able to withstand storms, while those who hear but don’t act are like a foolish man whose house built on sand lacks foundation and collapses.
Senator Hillman Frazier – Mississippi State Senate, District 27 – mentioned, “We’re here because of the prayers of the righteous people.” He urged those in attendance to think about Dr. King and “all that he has done for us.” He noted that the fight against principalities and against efforts to close HBCUs must continue.
Representative Grace Butler-Washington – Mississippi House of Representatives, District 69 – voiced that Dr. King helped move America closer to a deeper purpose. She called for recommitment to build the dreamer’s legacy with “renewed courage to believe that change is possible if we work together.” Denoting John 15:12, the speaker emphasized the need for love: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” This is “a sacrificial, selfless love.”…