King's legacy remembered in Columbia
Groups reflected on progress made since the civil rights leader was killed.
Published Jan. 19, 2009
The country looked back Monday in celebration of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 80th birthday. At the same time, crowds in Columbia looked to Tuesday when President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn into office as the country's first black president.
At an early-morning Columbia church service and memorial celebration, Columbia's religious community leaders and more than 50 attendees honored King's work, while also acknowledging there's still work to be done to realize King's dream.
The theme of the event, "For Such A Time As This: Yes We Can," bridged the gap between King's legacy and Obama's future, both tied to progress and change.
Missouri NAACP President Mary Ratliff said one year ago she would not have believed the country could inaugurate it's first black president. Now that dream, one she said was likely part of King's vision for America, is a reality.
"God sent Martin Luther King to be the forerunner for Barack Obama," she told the attendees.
Ratliff said the fight to achieve justice in our society is not over.
"All is not well. Though we have come a long way, we can't just rest on our laurels,” she said. “We've come this far by faith. It's up to us to be sure that we keep this dream that Dr. King had alive."
Following the brief ceremony, attendees caravanned to Columbia's Second Baptist Church for celebration, recognition of community service in Columbia, food and fellowship.
For both the young and the old, King's iconic words seemed to resonate in the songs that were sung, the music that was played and the prayers that were offered.
"He told us he had a dream, and we all need to work together to continue to make his dream a reality," said Stephanie Cox, president of the local NAACP youth chapter.
Cox was honored with an award for her community service at the celebration. Wanda Brown, Columbia Public Schools assistant superintendent, was also given a community service award, but was unable to attend.
Rabbi Yossi Feintuch, MU religious studies professor, spoke to the congregation about the connection between the injustice black people in America faced with that of Jews in Israel. He said Barack Obama's presidency is the start of a new day for the country.
"Thankfully, tomorrow has arrived," he said. "And the only color that really matters is the color of our hearts."
