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Locals celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Date published: 1/21/2008
BY EDIE GROSS
Five-year-old Charity Carter knows all about Martin Luther King Jr. There used to be separate doors for blacks and whites, and he changed that, the Hugh Mercer kindergartner said. White people sat at the front of the bus while black people sat at the back, and he changed that too, she added. "He changed the world," said Charity, who learned about the civil rights leader in school. "He told people to don't fight and they listened. Everybody listened to him." Charity and her mother, Detre Carter, joined about 300 fellow King admirers yesterday for a celebration of his life at James Monroe High School. The event, sponsored by Multicultural OutReach Effort, or MORE, included a host of young people from regional schools reflecting on King's messages of love, peace and service to fellow man. "It is very important if we're going to keep the dream alive that we instill in the lives of these young people the principles of Dr. King," said Xavier Richardson, vice president of MORE, a volunteer group that promotes diversity. Students and community leaders read passages from King's speeches. The crowd was also treated to performances by the Sacred Dance Ensemble and the Keith Armstead Ensemble. Marguerite Young, an educator for more than 40 years, urged those present, particularly young people, to help others, do what's right and get involved. "In this democracy, you need to know deep in your heart that you are put here to do something," she said. " You need to understand that democracy does not belong to the rich nor to the leaders. Democracy is the possession of ordinary folks, each and every one of us. "What I want to see is young people injecting themselves into politics, that you transform it, give it energy and give it new imagination," she said. Dale Wright, an education professor at the University of Mary Washington, reminded the audience that King believed in the power of education. "I believe when we are truly educated, we are able to separate truth from propaganda and objectivity from prejudice," she said. "We are able to participate in discussions and form our own beliefs based on our values. In short, we are able to think." The two-hour celebration was capped off with a group singing of "We Shall Overcome." Alicia Cole of King George said she enjoyed the event, Email: egross@freelancestar.com
I was there ,and the event was done very well. I agree with Ms. Young's message...the youth have been given the opportunity to participate in the community through politics, volunteering, good work ethic and showing good charactor. The adults can encourage this by example and not tolerating bad behavior in their communities. The song and dance added very nicely to the message and showcased wonderful talent.
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