Thought for the week (we 1st September 2013)

It was fifty years ago today. August 28th 1963 that Dr Martin Luther King addressed an estimated crowd of over 250,000 at the height of the civil rights movement.

Always at the forefront of the struggle for equality and the end of racial segregation he fought passionately and non-violently for the rights of black people in the America of his day. He continued long after the rally in Washington in his mission and was to pay the ultimate sacrifice when in April 1968 at the age of 39 he was assassinated in Memphis Tennessee.

By today his immense contribution to the civil rights legislation that eventually outlawed all discrimination is remembered and honoured on a day designated a national holiday in America.

Dr. King’s speech remains one of the greatest orations in American and even word history. Here was a man convicted by the Christian Gospel that all are equal regardless of race or creed. He based his convictions on Jesus’ command of loving your neighbour, and even your enemies.

His non-violent approach was challenged by some in civil rights campaign but he was convinced beyond all argument that following the teachings of Jesus and especially of turning the other cheek, even in the face of extreme provocation was the means by which freedom and new beginnings would come.

Much has changed since that August day fifty years ago. By today the USA has its first African-American President which would have been beyond the wildest dreams of anyone fifty years ago. Martin Luther King’s vision and sacrifice was the death blow to the indignity and suffering his people had known for generations.

His vision lives on in the hearts of all who seek a world free from prejudice, racism and justice. His final words remain for us all a living hope to be fulfilled wherever in our world people live under discrimination and injustice – ‘Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we are free at last’ – May that day soon come!