MLK JR. DAY 2012............

Yesterday being the 83rd Birthday anniversary of Reverend Doctor Martin Lither King Jr., the Southern Baptist preacher, who became the iconic leader of the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1950's and 1960's, today we observe the annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. A federal commemoration of the living legacy of his life and labors on behalf on ending inequality, discrimination, segregation, injustice, in the promotion of Unity and Peace. Dr. King's vision of bringing about equal opportunity for Negroes / Blacks / Afro-Americans / and all races and ethnicities as a result of the hard fought, but non violent, efforts brought about change in our nation concretized in two landmark laws, the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It also set in motion a greater awareness and sensitivity between the races, in the promotion of harmony, integretion, and togetherness, that has developed and succeeded in this country and other nations, over the past half century plus. As the observance of MLK Jr. Day has unfolded the past twenty six years, it has become a day of marches, parades, memorials, and Service, as citizens come together in localities throughout the USA, to carry out some form of public service for the common good of their communities, inspired and energized by Dr. King's memory and sacrifice. From the Birmingham, Alabama Bus Boycott in 1955, to the Memphis, Tennessee Garbageman's Strike in 1968, Martin Luther King's committment to non-violent progress for equality and racial unity was unwavering. More than a dozen years into his courageous and steadfast leadership and witness, he was assassinated at age 39, on April 4, 1968. But despite his death at that pivotal, transitional, time in the Civil Rights / Social Justice effort, the Reverend Dr. King's contributions to the cause have continued to live on in the betterment of our society and the globe, to which he dedicated the lion's share of his ordained ministry as a preacher and pastor; advocating and organizing, for the acceptance and inclusion of all peoples. May this Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2012, renew in you, all Americans, and citizens of the World, the spirit and truth of being unified and unbiased peoples of every race, ethnicity, culture, and creed............Fr. Troy