Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memo From The Grand Polemarch…
Joy Buchanan, Managing Editor of Diversity Incorporated, an online media publication, had a unique insight into the personhood of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday we celebrate each January. Ms. Buchanan correctly noted that Dr. King was renowned for his eloquence and skill at “putting into words the feelings and thoughts of the people who fought for civil rights in the United States.” Although Dr. King was assassinated in 1968, the words he wrote and spoke still resonate today, and provide keen insight into some of today’s greatest issues. Following are excerpts from some of Dr. King’s speeches, sermons and correspondence that address war, diversity, poverty and the qualities of great leaders:
On Being American and Being Inclusive - “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial ‘outside agitator’ idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.” (Letter From Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963)
The Need for Great Leaders -“A time like this demands great leaders. Leaders whom the lust of office cannot kill; leaders whom the spoils of life cannot buy; leaders who possess opinions and will; leaders who will not lie; leaders who can stand before a demagogue and damn his treacherous flatteries without winking. Tall leaders, sun-crowned, who live above the fog in public duty and in private thinking.” (A Realistic Look at the Question of Progress in the Area of Race Relations, St. Louis Freedom Rally, April 10, 1957)
A Leader’s Responsibility - “On some positions, cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it expedient?’ And then expedience comes along and asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ Conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’ There comes a time when one must take the position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right.” (Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution, March 31, 1968)
On January 15th, we celebrated the birth and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and all the things he stood for and worked to achieve. We also continue to celebrate our own remarkable history as members of Kappa Alpha Psi. We celebrate the legacy of our ten founders, and the work of all those who are achievers in the various fields of endeavor. We celebrate and encourage all who are working in our communities providing leadership and support for the less fortunate. Most of all, it is through service to others that we can make this country live up to its constitutional principles.
One KAPPA. Creating Inspiration-a Call to Service.
Yours in the Bond,
Dwayne M. Murray, Esq.
Grand Polemarch