Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1968)
King, was in fact, a servant of his God and the people. We would be remiss, therefore, to not emphasize
the fact that King was, first and foremost, a Christian (Baptist) minister, prophet of what we now know to be Black Liberation Theology, and an advocate for racial equity, grounded in economic justice, civic unity, and peace. Secular recollections of King often divorce his activist priorities from his ministry or "service." King was a proponent of what Rev. Warren H. Stewart, Jr. calls "Jesus Justice," that is a devotion to cultivating agape love, and rejecting what we now call racism, classism, economic inequity, and xenophobia.
So, as you set out to serve in observance of "MLK Day," please consider King's service priorities, and ask yourself, "does my service align with King's racial, economic, and anti-violence liberation theology? Does it serve to dismantle or maintain structures of oppression, particularly racial inequity, poverty, and warmongering? Let us not whitewash King's legacy in the waters of comfort, commercialism, and convenience. Let us honor his priorities, which our history suggests should be everyone's priorities.
How to Teach Kids About the Importance of Martin Luther King
Kids Connect tells us that "the 17th of January, is a public holiday that marks the birthday of the world-famous activist and leader of the civil rights movement in the USA, [Rev.] Martin Luther King, Jr. This day represents an amazing opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss the importance of King with kids and teach the profound character-building we've got from his work. Many educators might consider the topic of Martin Luther King, Jr. too complex for young children, after all, we have to explain racism, inequality, and the consequences of racial segregation. That's why we made this guide, to show you there's a way to introduce Martin Luther King, Jr. to kids, even preschoolers, without overwhelming them."
"His life's work represents a big and important part of American history that educators can't skip. By focusing on his transformation power, his achievements, and his view of the world, we can remember him with respect and pass on his legacy to future generations. Why is the conversation hard? We began this article by addressing the fact that some historical lessons are hard, even though we should not avoid them. There are several reasons why this is. Most of the time this is because there are some very dark periods in human history, such as Hiroshima, the Holocaust, and slavery. Other times, this is because the historical events are very emotionally distressing, such as the September 11 attacks." Read more HERE.
Book Your Diamond MLK Day Speaker Today!
“Dr. Matthew Whitaker is a true leader. His training programs move people to places they couldn’t come to alone. He promotes D&I in ways that truly bring people together. He heals. He teaches. He brings out the best in all of us. I highly recommend Dr. Whitaker and Diamond Strategies.” ~ Sheila Kloefkorn, CEO and President, KEO Marketing, Inc. and Founder, Competitive Arizona
Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker of Diamond Strategies. His knowledge, insights, and rhetorical rifts are transformational! Reach us at info@dstrategiesllc.com or 480-252-0639. Book our founder and CEO, Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker, he is one of the most experienced, decorated, and dynamic speakers in America. He is also an accomplished historian and author who delivers rousing speeches on diversity, equity, inclusion, race, class, gender, sexual orientation, African American history, civil rights and popular culture. Choose a speaker who will light up your gathering with knowledge, experience, authenticity, humor, and passion! Our complete team of dynamic presenters and facilitators can be accessed HERE.