January 13, 2010
f t
M artin L u th er K ing J r .
Page 43
2010 special ediiion
Coiiiiniinity Organizers o f Distinction
continued
from page 33
community organizations.
The conference provided lead­
ership training in Christian non­
violence and opportunities for
networking and strategizing, and
eventually became a base for
King's movement that would
change the directory of the coun­
try.
King understood that mean­
ingful change comes from the
ground up. His efforts were suc­
cessful because he was able to
reach people through com m u­
nity institutions, like churches.
Times have changed since
then, and so have the way people
interact with each other.
When a little-known senator
from Illinois nam ed Barack
Obama decided to take a stab at
the White House, he was ex­
pected to make some ripples, but
was still a long shot.
Hillary Clinton, a Democratic
senator from New York and
wife of former president Bill
Clinton, commanded a powerful
political machine and a slew of
wealthy backers.
When asked by Katie Couric
how disappointed she would be
if she didn't get the nomination,
Clinton didn't even bother an­
swering directly.
"Well," replied Clinton, who
was self-assured that she was
guaranteed the nomination, "it
will be me."
H o w ev er, O b am a, w ho
worked as a community orga­
nizer in the gritty urban environ­
ment of Chicago, grasped a les­
son that made King's efforts so
successful: activating dormant
social segments at the grass level
continued
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on page 45
Martin Luther King Jr.
addresses a
multitude on Aug.
28, 1963 during the
March on Washington for
Jobs and Freedom. The
rally was an enormous
success thanks to King's
skills in focusing on
social hubs, like
churches, for his
organizing efforts.
Decades later, Barack
Obama would employ a
similar strategy focusing
on the Internet.
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in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of
Martin Luther King. Jr
Quality of life doesn't mean much if you don't have a job.
In times of economic challenge, livability starts with family wage jobs, reliable ways to get to work
and housing that's affordable.
Metro and the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission provide services, programs and public
venues that sustain the region's livability, making it an extraordinary place to live, work and play.
Both Metro and MERC regularly purchase goods and services through contracting policies that remove
barriers to participation. To learn about Metro’s minority, women and emerging small business program
or MERC's first opportunity target area, call Metro at 503-797-1700 or MERC at 503-731-7905.
For complete information about business, career and volunteer opportunities with Metro or MERC,
visit w w w .o re g o n m e tro .g o v or w w w .m e rc v e n u e s .o rg .
Metro
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