Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Luncheon

On Monday, 17 January 2011 I had the privilege of observing The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission's 26th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Luncheon at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing, Michigan. Side note - I very much appreciate living no more than 10 minutes from almost everything that I do.


I was pessimistic. I thought to myself this man was assassinated at 6:01 p.m. on April 4, 1968, what possibly could be said almost 43 years later. I made it a point to remain open to the experience. I observed many types of people and the usual suspects were definitely in the house - politicians and those Lansing are big wigs. This was a sold out event with about 825 people in attendance.


Here are some highlights to an uplifting event.

Singing done by Spoken Praise | Fearless Faith Church Ministries

Piano accompaniment and performance by Mr. Ray Potter III. You should check out his solo work.

The Master of Ceremonies was the President/CEO of MSU Federal Credit Union - Mr. Patrick M. McPharlin

A surprise guest was Lt. Governor, Mr. Brian Calley.

Then came a couple of mayors. From East Lansing, Mr. Victor W. Loomis. From Lansing, Mr. Virg Bernero.

There were several selections done by Minister Sharon Lawrence-Taylor

And then after lunch was served Commissioner Dr. Lee June introduced the key note speaker - United States Congressman, Maryland, 7th District - The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings.

If you ever get a chance to hear this man speak you will be enthralled. Not only was he engaging and entertaining, he was jocular and informative. A man that experienced many forms of racism during his life kept a blind eye to it all to reach his primary goal of becoming an lawyer. Through it all he maintains that there is good in everyone. Without directly saying that he is against any wars that we may be involved in as a nation Mr. Cummings stated that our greatest threat to our national security is the failure to educate every single child. He continued to say that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke on having a sense of urgency for civil rights that Mr. Cummings believes still exists. Mr. Cummings eloquently shared and weaved his history, with this nation's history and brought us to now urging us as individuals to look to the future. He challenged the audience to continue to fight for what is the best for all mankind.

I would have like to have seen a plan of action or suggestions as to how to continue to keep the legacy living through action beyond this enjoyable event.

I am glad I was able to sneak in to this function. I questioned some as to how events like these help people and I was told that it was good to be reminded what was so that we can remember that there is a reason to try to continue to forge ahead for goodness and righteousness. it is also good to be a part of a revival of sorts to energize you so that you can continue to forge ahead.

Maybe next year I can sneak in and get a lunch out of it as well. I'll keep you posted. Until then, my personal challenge is to be more aware of how I can continue the legacy beyond this experience.

And here is more because you know I had to get a video camera in the mix. Check it out on Time Slot [Life In Lansing]

Link: Time Slot | MLK, Jr. Luncheon

~Melik