LYNN — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. plotted a course for change more than 60 years ago that is still crucial to America’s survival, said speakers at Monday’s annual breakfast honoring the civil rights leader.
“His legacy is a blueprint for what’s needed and he gave us the inspiration to get it done,” said Dr. Maru Colbert, an African-American scholar.
Colbert was the keynote speaker at the Community Minority Cultural Center (CMCC) 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the Knights of Columbus, attended by approximately 150 people.
“He was a man befitting his last name,” Colbert said, noting how the history of prejudice King challenged included discrimination in 1919 against African-American veterans who fought in World War I.
Frequently quoting African-American writers, Colbert said American inequities of more than a half century ago, including disproportionate incarceration and health insurance quality endured by African-Americans, still exist.
King, she said, insisted America’s survival as a democracy rested on people of different races relying on one another.
“We know a lot about MLK but we have further cause to celebrate him. He began not a circle but an entire realm of influence. He taught there is no stopping point short of victory,” said Colbert.
Spoken word artist Michelle La Poetica emceed the breakfast, rousing her audience to applause with prose delving into patriotism’s meaning and American perspectives on immigration.
Lynn School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Tutwiler called King “probably the country’s most transformative national leader.” He invited the breakfast audience to attend Tuesday’s budget forum at 6 p.m. in the Classical High School library.
Monday’s breakfast coincided with CMCC’s preparations to celebrate its half century serving Lynn residents with a May community service recognition tentatively scheduled for May 23.
“Part of CMCC’s mission is to carry on Dr. King’s legacy to be a portal for information on equal opportunity for education and housing. Fifty years is significant and we will recognize the people who have contributed to that,” said CMCC Secretary Darrell Murkison.
Other breakfast participants Monday included Mayor Thomas M. McGee, author Vick Breedy, poet Big Brotha Sadi, spoken word artist Gladys Teresa, musicians Sway Casey, Brien Fowler, Qwill and Oshmagosh, Choppa Tha Beatboxa, singer Limitless and Purpose, a local singing trio.
Lynn resident Clemmie Purter attended the breakfast to remind herself of what she said is King’s elemental message: “Don’t let a day go by without helping someone.”
