Political, community and faith leaders are gathering this morning to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. on what would have been the civil rights icon’s 85th birthday.
Crowds packed into Ebenezer Baptist Church before 9 a.m. Monday, the 28th anniversary of a national holiday in King’s honor. Dignitaries including U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, Gov. Nathan Deal and Mayor Kasim Reed addressed the audience of hundreds.
“Dr. King deserves all the praise and honor that is afforded him in ceremonies like this one which take place each year around the nation,” Deal said. “But I think more than just saying kind thoughts about him, we ought to take action ourselves. This is how we embed truth into our words.”
Deal pledged to give King a permanent presence at the state Capitol, but stopped short of giving specific details.
Reed praised the sacrifices King made that allowed men like him and President Barack Obama to run for office.
“I think in moments like this, we’ve got to come back to our core and remember how it all happened,” he said.
Reed pledged to improve Martin Luther King. Jr. Drive in downtown Atlanta, a commitment he made last year as part of plans for the future $1.2 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium.
“Shame on me and shame on all of us…that Martin Luther King Jr. Drive looks like every other Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in the United States of America,” he said.
The Rev. Raphael Warnock, Ebenezer’s senior pastor, spoke about healthcare and income inequality during his keynote address, saying federal leaders should extend unemployment insurance. The crowd stood as he called for Deal to expand Medicaid, though Deal had left the service by that time.
“There is no reason not to expand Medicaid,” he said. “…It is ours, not for the taking. We gave the money. Let the money come back.”
Previous speakers include Cornel West, the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, and Martin Luther King III.
Bernice King, the leader’s daughter and CEO of the King Center, presided over the event. She recognized the work of her mother, Coretta Scott King, in advancing King’s image from once-feared activist to icon.
“We will not forget Coretta Scott King,” she said to cheers. “She always belonged side by side with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
Monday’s celebration concludes a week and a half of events promoting themes of non-violence, including a gun buy-back program sponsored by the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP, a film screening, arts project and panel discussions on human trafficking.
Hands on Atlanta reports 3,000 volunteers are expected to participate in a day of service Monday. Projects including beautification of civil rights historic sites and serving the poor.
About the Author
