After a score of sermonettes, political speeches, litanies, and songs, Rev. Haynes was introduced by MLK's youngest child, the Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King. "You know, when a preacher shows up without a bible, you know he has the word deep within him," King said.
Haynes compared MLK to the biblical Nehemiah whose mission was to save his people and rebuild city walls which were forms of security in the ancient world. He said neither King nor Nehemiah were self centered. He said many successful people, however, are akin to pardoned turkeys living on Turkey Hill who have forgotten there are others who are suffering from mis-education, hunger, poverty, injustice, and disease.
"Like some people, the turkey who has been saved from slaughter and is kicking it with the rich and famous, forgets about folks in penal institutions," Haynes said. He continued that longevity in America is closely tied to a person's zip code.
"Nehemiah was the king's former cup bearer who resorted to prayer to rebuild walls," Haynes said.
Haynes also made many references to President Barack Obama. "He inherited a hot mess...an economy that was losing jobs, wars were being mismanaged...but together, we can make a difference, rebuild walls, heal our land." He urged people to organize and mobilize, even when "all hell is breaking loose."
Haynes also compared MLK to a washing machine's agitator which stirs up waters to get stains out. He said King agitated by speaking truth to power and was admonished for doing so by preachers in Birmingham, Ala. before he wrote his famous letter from jail.
He said King was angry and became agitated when he witnessed poverty, injustice, and Jim Crow apartheid in America. Like King, "Be not content to give out charity, but change policy," he said.
Haynes said King was a victim of identity theft. "You don't get killed or hunted by the FBI for dreaming. King was dangerous because he agitated to change public policy," he said. "He used the spirit of sacrifice for the greater good, like Nehemiah when he was governor.
"We must fight voter suppression, right education, spur economic empowerment, fight for the next generation, " Haynes continued. "God, please remember me with favor, for all I have done for these people...for people who can't pay me back," should be our cry.
"Favor, slap your neighbor, can't be equated with finance...we must have the power to overcome opposition and fulfill King's mission...you don't have to fly first class on an airplane to exhibit first class behavior," Haynes concluded.
©2012 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved.
M Rahman wrote: My family and some community members took part in Hands on Atlanta's service project for MLK Service Summit at BelmontHills elementary school. We Muslims respect King for his sacrifice and for his stand for justice and equality for all. May God lift his status in the Heaven.
ReplyDeleteBruce Redd wrote: Unbelievable!!! I was glued to my chair. I hope they play it again in its entirety. You had to be there to feel the spirit!!
ReplyDeleteDonna Brown wrote: I remember sitting in Sisters Chapel at Spelman College, on the front row where Dr. King's body laid in state, and just sitting there as the crowds of people came through to pay their respects. I just sat there, numb. It was surreal. I was a student at Spelman College at the time and along with other students from Morehouse snd Spelman choirs sang at Ebenezer from time to time. I remember the throngs of people that arrived in Atlanta. Many of us students went uptown and walked back to the campus. So many stars, politiians and everyday people walking back to the campus filling the streets and sidewalks. It was a sight I will never forget. I will also never forget Dr. King and all he accomplished for us as a people and a nation. Many of us never saw greatness before..., but we saw it in him, heard it from him and were proud to become people that could stand along side of our fellow Americans with dignity.
ReplyDeleteAs I think of that time, one thing stands out so clearly. If there had NOT been a Dr. Martin Luther King, where would we be today, as people of color in this nation? That same year and for the first time, a white man opened a door for me. I believed I blushed. It was a small thing, but I did not expect that and I felt and knew that somehow things were changing. Dr. King made such a difference for all of us and we were blessed to have such greatness among us and in our time.
May we all keep his memory fresh in our hearts and minds and be thankful for all that God allowed him to accomplish!
Jonathan Youssef wrote: Tomi, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Darity Jr., Ph.D. wrote: Thanks Tomi. As always, a good read.
ReplyDeleteThe energy and text of the speakers yesterday was high voltage! If you didn't walk away with the thought of I need to make mark in history as well, check yourself for heartbeat. As I listen to Congressman David Scott deliver his message, it reminded me once again the president Obama has made more strides than any other president in recent years for this country. And despite the walls put up, still he rises over overcome. Let us not forget what those like Dr. King went through just for us to vote in this country, we must never take it for granted! Everybody needs to register at least one person, and take another to the polls in November.
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