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The Life & Spirit of Rev. Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
Written by Lois B Wilkins
“We interrupt this broadcast” ….was the message I heard and saw on our black and white television set. I was 11 years old; in 5th grade. “Wow! Everyone was so sad”…..I thought to myself. This was the breaking news that President Kennedy had been assassinated.
Reflecting Back
Reflecting back, as a young child of 4 years old, (1958) I listened to the “Bennet College speech” that Dr King gave. His text came from Amos 5:24. “…but let Justice roll down like water, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
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Three years later (June 6, 1961) at the age of 7,
I heard “American Dream” a speech he gave to students at Lincoln University and again for students called to the ministry at Southern Seminary. His text came from the United States constitution, the preamble and amendments he sited along the way. “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal…life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness….”
One year later, June 17, 1962 something happened in California that gave him a pregnant pause to write and deliver “The Dilemma and The challenge” in Los Angeles, California ..I was 8 yrs old and don’t recall. Perhaps it was the Rodney King “can’t we all get along?” question that seemed to resonate on everyone’s lips.
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“The Great March to Freedom in Detroit”
On June 23, 1963 there was a movement that was taking place. “The Great March to Freedom in Detroit”. I was living in NYC at the age of nine (9). I am not sure if I saw any signs of marching going on in the Bronx. Although, I do remember, two months later, (August 28, 1963) the infamous “I have a Dream” speech which emphasizes the March for jobs in Washington DC. Sometimes I wonder if we Americans get “stuck” in time as people like to replay this speech over and over each year.
1964 was a great year for Dr King; …And it was for us also, as we watched his journey carrying the concerns and plights of our people to various dignitaries in the schools, churches and government municipalities. We were proud to see him lead. His vocabulary was so intriguing. I was 11 yrs old, (December 10) and in 6th grade at this point. I knew this was a big moment, because everyone , well almost everybody, was happy for him to receive the “Nobel Peace Prize” recognition. Others thought he should have taken a more demanding approach to racial justice equality issues as he moved around the globe.
Teachers and Sunday School Leaders
By this time, teachers and Sunday school leaders were inviting Dr. King to speak to their assemblies and congregations as well as extending him invitations to address the conclusion of the Selma to Montgomery March. This was in the spring, March 25, 1965. Dr King was a vivid dreamer who had the ability to see and believe there would be a better day coming. He again gave his “American Dream” speech during the summer on July 4, 1965.
At the age of 12, I was accepted to Music & Art HS in NYC and the ruckus around Dr King and other activist contemporaries were traveling together to speaking engagements.
Then, on June 5, 1966 his message began to be directed at our local churches. His message delivery spoke of “guidelines for a constructive Church”. This is actually one of my favorite speeches. He tells us what we as a church are doing well and what we need to work on to do better. This reminds me of Apostle Paul traveling through Damascus, sharing his message to the churches. I began to “Wake Up” in my spiritual walk at this time. “All Here & Now” was like a homework assignment for me.
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My Walk Through a Christian Journey
My walk through a christian journey was intrigued by the acceptance of Christ in my life, so I listened intently to these messages to the churches. I found a similar message regarding Paul as I read them in the book of Timothy, Titus and elsewhere, I saw it as a confirmation to hear it coming from Dr. King as well. On April 4, 1967, I listened to “The Three Dimensions of a complete life” “Beyond Vietnam - A time to break silence”. This was a solemn time in my life for many reasons. One I’ll mention, had to do with the draft which sent many of my male friends off to war. I couldn’t understand why they were anxious about receiving their draft numbers. And then…on August 16, 1967…there was the “Knock at Midnight”. On December 24, 1967 Christmas Eve, I was now 14 years old. I listened to “Peace on Earth”.
At this point, the community was in an uproar. February 4, 1968, messages from local pastors and activists in the community were engaging in - “The drum major instinct”.
The following month, sermons and speeches leading up to his demise included “Unfulfilled Dreams ( March 3, 1968) and “Remaining AWAKE through a Great Revolution” at the National Cathedral on March 31, 1968.
At age 14, our friends at school were released to go home early as “The Eulogy” for President Robert F Kennedy” took place on April 4, 1968. The next day, there was the “Central Park” incident. History has noted facts of this period. And then …the Prophetic Last speech:
“I have seen the mountain top. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know that we as a people will make it to the promise land,…”
Even at the writing of this journal down Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr lane, I am holding back tears. I feel blessed to have been alive and attentive to his words at the most impressionable time in my life. I’m saddened that his words still permeate as relevant today in 2024-2025.
God, forgive us all, for we know not…what we do.
Amos 5:24. “…but let Justice roll down like water, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”