Commemoration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is my practice to invite others to occasionally write the President’s Commentary. Today, I have asked the Rev. Joseph D. Thompson, Ph.D. to write on events available in Alexandria to remember the remarkable life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I invite our New York readers to consider finding an event to remember this amazing life. Meanwhile, here is Joe Thompson:

On Monday, people around the nation will pause to commemorate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  In these times when voting rights in communities of color face renewed threats, it should be remembered that Dr. King fought for a dream in which all people would be equal under the law and enjoy equal opportunity in housing, employment, and all the “Blessings of Liberty.”

This Sunday, the city of Alexandria’s MLK Memorial Planning Committee will host its 50th annual program paying tribute to the vision of Dr. King and the countless heroes of the Civil Rights Movement.  I will be participating in this event, and I hope you will consider joining as well.

But if that event does not work for you, there are numerous opportunities in the District and other areas of “the DMV” to remember this legacy and show your support of the ongoing struggle.  And of course, stay tuned later this semester for a calendar of events detailing VTS’s observance of Dr. King (March 29-30 this year), which happens annually near the date of his martyrdom.

Whatever particular event you attend, may this King Day serve as a time of reflection and action in furtherance of the justice and equality for which he stood.

The Rev. Joseph D. Thompson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Multicultural Ministries