This year, Aug. 28 to be exact, is the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
That alone is reason enough for area residents to participate in events this weekend honoring the civil-rights leader and his legacy. Two of the larger events take place in Washington on Sunday, one at Mt. Hebron Church of Christ (5 p.m.), and the other at Cornerstone Family Worship Center (3 p.m.).
King was not the lone soldier in the fight for civil rights, but his efforts in that arena are among the most memorable. His philosophy and practice of nonviolence in the civil-rights struggle hastened advancements in freedom and equality for all.
His work and legacy must not be forgotten. That’s why events recounting what he did for this nation and the world must be held every year. As new generations become old enough to understand, those generations must be educated about King’s place in history.
Going beyond King’s dream is the challenge facing those who would carry on King’s legacy.
We like what Washington Mayor Archie Jennings said at an event honoring King three years ago.
Jennings said King worked to unify people of all races, religions and cultures in a common cause — maintaining liberty and equality for everyone. Jennings praised King for “his commitment to nonviolence” during his fight for human rights. The mayor said there is no doubt that King was “chosen by God” to be a pivotal figure in the civil-rights struggle and fight for human rights for all mankind.
“All we have to do to see the dream fulfilled is to quit teaching hate,” Jennings said.
Amen.