A Man with a Dream

by Tricia Ferdinand

Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned big things, powerful things. He had hoped that because the United States was quickly becoming a melting pot of culture and ethnicity, we would learn to embrace and appreciate each other for our differences as much as for our similarities. He was both condemned and revered for his blind faith in nonviolent protesting. As an orator, a leader and a prominent symbol of the African-American civil rights movement, he quickly became a distinguished public figure, a novelty our present society seems to be lacking.

Even now, years after his untimely death, we still honor his memory and his commitment to a noble cause with various events on or surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrated on Jan. 19. The A-Space will host a discussion entitled, "Ending White Supremacy: How Should People of Different Backgrounds Honor Martin Luther King Day?" while the New Jersey State Aquarium offers music, dance, storytelling and a collage contest in honor of King. Likewise, the Brandywine Peace Community will host Walking in the Steps of Dr. King, a peace demonstration that will include music and poetry. Hungry for more? Try the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Africana Studies, which will present, "A Conversation about the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr." with the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and the Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Whichever venue you choose, ultimately the result should be that you gain more respect for, and grasp the importance of those who stand up for what they believe in.

"Ending White Supremacy," Sun., Jan. 18, 3-5 p.m., A-Space, 4722 Baltimore Ave., 215-727-0882. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Mon., Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., New Jersey State Aquarium,1 Riverside Drive, Camden, N.J., 856-365-3300. Walking in the Steps of Dr. King, Mon., Jan 19, noon, Lockheed Martin, Mall and Goddard blvds., Valley Forge, 610-544-1818. "A Conversation about the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.," Thu., Jan. 22, 5:30 p.m., Irvine Auditorium, 34th and Spruce sts., 215-898-4965.

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