Portland observer., January 26, 1983, Page 51, Image 51

Man of destiny. . .
by Dr. Matthew Prophet,
Superintendent o f Schools
In ihe courie o f human events
from time to time, individuals rise
above the crowd to shape and give
direction to great social, political,
cultural and economic movements
They give voice and leadership at
times when mankind stands at the
crossroads. Their work articulates
a time and gives character to an era.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was such
a man and he lived in a time of great
social change and was the catalyst
for the great events of the 1960s that
changed forever the way men and
women think and work and live to­
gether. Whether that legacy endures
and enlarges in the future will de­
pend to a great extent on the cour­
age, dedication and character of all
o f us who are the inheritors and
beneficiearies o f the legacy o f his
life. The torch was passed to us.
Whether or not the life and work
o f D r. King endures and survives
this time of testing will be dependent
on the commitment and dedication
of all of us.
Let us consider the lesson for a
moment. As a young man o f 26 in
1955, Dr. King reluctantly accepted
the mantle of leadership for the civil
rights movement in this country. Be­
fore he was felled by an assasin’s
bullet in Memphis, Tennessee in Ap­
ril 1968, his work, deeds and actions
shook the conscience of the world.
His ascension to the leadership
role and the political and social cli­
mate of the 1960s created a chemis-
¿tíalplj’e MoUvjhnuid 3Florr»t
try that exploded around the world.
It was an explosion o f conscience
that left enduring commitments and
dedication in the conscience of man­
kind.
We must challenge our colleagues
who are indifferent, or who might
have some narrow-minded perspec­
tive. and work together as an u lti­
mate tribute to Dr. King to keep the
dream alive and intact for A m er­
ica's children for generations to
come.
This then is our challenge. It is the
challenge of the '80s. It is the chal­
lenge for our com m unity, our
schools, and for our religious, polit­
ical and social institutions.
Obviously, we alone cannot
change the national mood. Nor can
we alter the directions and policies
that threaten Dr. King's legacy. But
we can accept our local challenge.
We can become devoted to the cause
of improving ourselves, in this com­
munity, by acting in harmony with
common goals and by keeping faith
with the dream.
The great American 19th century
philosopher, Ralph W aldo Emer­
son, wisely wrote:
" W h ile 1 do what is fit for me.
and abstain from what is unfit, my
neighbor and / shall often agree in
our means, and work together fo r a
lime to one end."
Today, as neighbors, as people of
all races and backgrounds, who seek
together a community of prosperity
and goodwill toward one another,
let us come together for a time to
seek one end.
(SFIoiocrs ,3Froni ¿HoIIuiouoh
I n YAW S R esta u r a n t
2005 N.E. 40th
Portland, OR 97212
249-1888
We Deliver
Anywhere
An open outside door is an
invitation to waste. It creates
a draft which cools down a
room in a hurry.
And the effect on your
electric bill could be a
real blow.
S
Change a habit.
Conserve your
_ current and
your currency.
"History has thrust upon our generation an indescribably important
destiny—to complete a process of democratization which our nation has too
long developed too slowly, but which is our most powerful weapon for world
respect and emulation."
—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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A g reo t w ay of Me
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Portland Observer, January 26, 1983 Section III Page 11