I had the pleasure of attending and participating (with a prayer) in a celebration in Cary on 1/15 for Dr. King's 79th birthday. After a brief intro by one of the organizers, we ventured outside for a candlelight vigil. Now it was quite cold that evening, but I was prepared with my coat, gloves, and hat. Although I can't say the same for my two armor bearers (who were complaining about their "paper-thin" suits). Needless to say, I kept my prayer brief while we were outside.
After moving back inside, we listened to several songs by a chorus from Cary High School. I felt for them after seeing them outside in t-shirts. But they're young. They sang "Let My People Go", "This Little Light of Mine", and "We Shall Overcome".
Next, we heard from a couple of elders who talked about their experience with civil rights. One lady, who was Caucasian, described the time when her school was desegregated and she became friends with Dr. King's daughter, Yolanda. She described how mature and strong Yolanda was when she addressed their school after her father was assassinated. The next person to speak was born and raised in Cary. Her father was the first African-American to hold an elected position in Cary. She said she spent most of her life wanting to get out of Cary while many people today are trying to move to Cary. How times have changed. She described the difficulties that many blacks faced before the 60s Civil Rights movement. One of the most interesting things she said was how upsetting it is for her to hear young people say that they didn't owe anyone for their successes today. They are ignorant of the struggles and sacrifices that people like Dr. King made so that we have the right to vote, get an education, and work very successful jobs.
After hearing from the elders, we heard expressions from several high school students on what the legacy of King meant to them. Finally, we celebrated King's birthday with two cakes and sang happy birthday (both versions, of course). All in all, it was a good evening to remember the dream and legacy of Dr. King on his birthday. I look forward to next year's celebration.
What does King's legacy mean to you?
After moving back inside, we listened to several songs by a chorus from Cary High School. I felt for them after seeing them outside in t-shirts. But they're young. They sang "Let My People Go", "This Little Light of Mine", and "We Shall Overcome".
Next, we heard from a couple of elders who talked about their experience with civil rights. One lady, who was Caucasian, described the time when her school was desegregated and she became friends with Dr. King's daughter, Yolanda. She described how mature and strong Yolanda was when she addressed their school after her father was assassinated. The next person to speak was born and raised in Cary. Her father was the first African-American to hold an elected position in Cary. She said she spent most of her life wanting to get out of Cary while many people today are trying to move to Cary. How times have changed. She described the difficulties that many blacks faced before the 60s Civil Rights movement. One of the most interesting things she said was how upsetting it is for her to hear young people say that they didn't owe anyone for their successes today. They are ignorant of the struggles and sacrifices that people like Dr. King made so that we have the right to vote, get an education, and work very successful jobs.
After hearing from the elders, we heard expressions from several high school students on what the legacy of King meant to them. Finally, we celebrated King's birthday with two cakes and sang happy birthday (both versions, of course). All in all, it was a good evening to remember the dream and legacy of Dr. King on his birthday. I look forward to next year's celebration.
What does King's legacy mean to you?
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