Martin Luther King Jr. was an inspirational leader, Baptist minister, and social activist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and equal rights for all. He played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968.
Dr. King sought equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged, and all victims of injustice through peaceful protest. He fought for social change until his untimely death at just 39 years old.
Today, I attended the 3rd Annual MLK Day Youth Leadership symposium in honor of Dr. King. It took place in the Bessie Smith Hall of the African American Museum in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, Tennessee hosted the symposium. Their theme was “Building The Beloved Community Through Racial, Economic & Environmental Justice.”
The program was dynamic, educational, and entertaining.
We learned how the redlining system from the 1930s impacts current economics and looked at environmental justice through the lens of the challenge presented by manufacturing factories that provide employment but pollute the communities where they are located.
The program ended with a debate by students from the National Achievement Society (NAS). They presented the pros and cons of electric vehicles and the lack of equity in ownership across socio-economic groups.
Children who learn differently thrive, absorb, and learn concepts and information when they attend programs and events like these much easier than sitting in a classroom listening to a teacher’s lecture.
Dr. King was indeed a man to look up to.
Yes, he was.
Thanks for posting. I love that bench, and I’ve never heard that quote before. Looks like a wonderful program. I hope it was a good turnout.
There was a great turnout, and the young people did a fabulous job.
Thanks for sharing your experience today. We as a country have so much to do to assure equality for all its citizens. I agree with your final comment about how children learn also!
The organizers made the program so interactive; it was enjoyable, and we learned a lot.
Sounds like a great event today. Too much to unpack here. You did a good job of presenting valuable information and facts. The redlining map and the resulting income levels in the areas of poverty really affected me the most. In my work in the largest public housing agency in RI, food insecurity and helping families attend self sufficiency were big issues to tackle. Thank you for sharing!
Some data surprised and upset me at the same time. It seems like a system was instituted to keep a certain segment of the population at or below the poverty line… all the time.
Redlining from the 1930s still impacting lives today. This is why it’s so important for accurate history to be taught.
You are so right, Angel! That information came from a businessman, not a teacher.
Flo, what a great event you were attending! I’ve seen this information before, and it’s hard to look at how people were excluded in the past (and now?). The expression “Triple Bottom Line Effect” is powerful. Fortunately we have had some outstanding players like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help move us toward balance.
So many times, it looks like we take one step forward and two steps backward. It’s painful to see people struggling under a system that was deliberately engineered to suppress them in every area of life and living. May God help us!
He was an amazing man. Interesting post. Thanks.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was focused and committed to his cause. That made him stand out above his peers.