“Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence, but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On the evening of the fatal shootings in Tucson, Arizona, the St. Louis community was advocating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of nonviolence in a ceremony at Harris-Stowe State University.
On the 25th Anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri, Dr. Henry Givens Jr., chairman, and other members of the commission continued to celebrate the legacy of MLK. A thread throughout the speeches this night was the importance of non-violence.
During the awards ceremony, there were many condolences sent out to U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ family and the other victims of the shooting, as well as a moment of silence for the victims.
Keith Savage, president of Logistical Resource Solutions Inc., said, “We are moving forward, although it may be slow.”
Keynote speaker Judge Greg Mathis addressed the issues of violence.
“He believed in nonviolence, but that didn’t make him a coward,” Judge Mathis said of Dr. King.
“He would be more pleased if you followed him and engaged in the same activism as he did.”
Judge Mathis noted that any issue Dr. King wanted to discuss, he stood up like a man and delivered his message.
“He didn’t do a drive-by and say, ‘I have a dream.’ He stood in front of the nation,” said Judge Mathis.
Throughout the evening, many presenters quoted from Dr. King’s speeches. Governor Jay Nixon chose the quote, “But recognize, he who is great among you shall be your servant. Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
“When his nation needed leadership, he showed us that the powerful don’t always prevail,” Nixon said.
“We must teach our children so they can understand their past.”
State Representative Tishaura Jones said we are all standing on the shoulders of Dr. King and the trailblazers that came before us.
Jones asked the same question that she asked last year: “Are we living the dream?” Her response was yes, because she was here and held her position because she was a witness to the dream.
Dr. Givens and the other original four commissioners set out 25 years ago to protect, preserve and celebrate King’s message and legacy. Since the commission’s inception in 1985, Dr. Givens has served as the chairman. He also is president of Harris-Stowe State University, which has continued to be the location for the annual kick-off program.
“This is the second largest celebration in the country,” said Beverly Brennan, Theater Program director and instructor at Harris-Stowe.
The Missouri celebration is second only to the celebration in MLK’s hometown, Atlanta.
“No other statewide commission in the nation is as strong as here in Missouri,” said Dr. Givens.
Dr. Givens went on to say that the commission has evolved over the last 25 years but there is still a long way to go. After servicing the community for 25 years as chairman, effective January 17 he will step down. The commission recognized Dr. Givens with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
He said strong leadership would continue with Constance Gully as the new chair.
“I am eternally grateful,” said Dr. Givens.
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