Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Yesterday, I was able to worship the Almighty God with people who were white. I was able to stand within arm’s reach of people who are white and sing songs of worship and praise to the same God and not be hidden in a balcony or not allowed in the same building. We shook hands, hugged and exchanged greetings with love and acceptance; without any fear of reprisal.
Thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for your stand, your life, conviction and sacrifice.
I am able to hold a minister’s credential with a predominately white organization, be an administrative pastor at a church whose membership is predominately white and give sermons to mixed audiences that have people who are white in them.
Thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for your stand, your life, conviction and sacrifice.
Yesterday, I sat at a table and ate with people who were White, Black and Armenian. My car was not painted with racial statements. I did not fear walking from their home to my car.
Thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for your stand, your life, conviction and sacrifice.
Years ago, I remember standing in a Blue Chip Stamp Redemption Center in Compton, California. With the news of your assassination over the loudspeakers, you could have heard a pin drop. We were all gripped with horror, sorrow and tears in that public place.
Thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for your stand, your life, conviction and sacrifice.
Today, I will take 2 young black boys to a public movie theatre. We will walk in the front door and use the public restrooms. We will be able to choose which seats we will sit in. We will see a movie with black actors as the star performers, directed by a black man, with one of the actors being paid millions of dollars for his acting and has received various entertainment awards.
Thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for your stand, your life, conviction and sacrifice.
Today, my next door neighbors to my left, to my right and behind me are people who happen to be white. I have never had a cross-burnt on my front lawn.
Thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for your stand, your life, conviction and sacrifice.
Today, I enjoy many benefits that my forefathers were unable to even contemplate enjoying. I will vote in the local and national elections. I will walk in the front door of business and government establishments. I will look people who are white in the eye and not fear reprisals.
Thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for your stand, your life, conviction and sacrifice.
You did not enjoy your 20-year Wedding Anniversary…nor your children’s graduations…nor your children’s weddings…nor the fulfillment of “your dream”…you did not enjoy many of the things we today, take for granted.
But thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for your stand, your life, conviction and sacrifice.
God uses His men and women as it pleases Him. Because of your obedience to God’s direction in your life, my life has been greatly enhanced. I can never repay you for the sacrifice of your life, your family’s need for a dad and husband or for the many injustices and inconveniences you endured, so that I may be able to partake of the American constitution’s provisions.
Thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for your stand, your life, conviction and sacrifice.
Thank you Corretta, Yolanda, Martin III, Dexter and Bernice for your many sacrifices.
Derick Elliot Dimry ~ January 20, 2003