MLK’s message holds true today, diversity speaker says

By LINDA M. LINONIS

Vindicator Staff Writer

The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr. told those

attending a diversity breakfast at Youngstown State University on Thursday that “the dream is in your hands.”

The theologian with a doctor of ministry degree, pastor and civic leader addressed an audience of about 350 at the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Breakfast and awards presentation in Kilcawley Center.

The Rev. Mr. Moss served as co-pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Sr. and worked in the civil rights movement with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“The message of Martin Luther King is for the 21st century,” Mr. Moss said. But he cautioned those who want to learn about the man and his mission not to depend solely on books written about him.

“Too often we depend on secondary sources ... who don’t get it right or have an agenda,” Mr. Moss said.

He urged students and everyone interested in civil and human rights to read what Dr. King wrote in his books, speeches and sermons. Mr. Moss suggested “Stride Toward Freedom,” “Strength to Love,” “Why We Can’t Wait” and “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community.”

“We are blessed with these primary sources,” Mr. Moss said, adding that he especially treasures his copy of “Where Do We Go From Here” because Dr. King autographed it and called Mr. Moss “his dear friend.” Mr. Moss said in the classes he teaches, he urges students to read Dr. King’s writings.

Mr. Moss had a personal relationship with Dr. King, who gave the eulogy when Mr. Moss’ first wife died and attended his wedding when Mr. Moss married Edwina Hudson Smith.

Mr. Moss said Dr. King’s background included graduating from high school at 15 years old, attending Morehouse College in Atlanta through an early admission program, attending Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and earning a doctorate at Boston University. This all prepared Dr. King, who catapulted from being a local pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala., to a national leader of a nonviolent bus boycott and a global figure who espoused peaceful protest.

Mr. Moss said Dr. King continually promoted “dignity and Christian love” as the proper path for protesting. And that legacy continues to this day.

Mr. Moss said he and his wife recently returned from India, where they were invited by the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. They were involved in the India Council for Cultural Relations, and Mr. Moss said participants pressed him for details on Dr. King’s work in the civil and human rights movements.

Mr. Moss said this is just one example of how Dr. King’s legacy is not only important in the United States but globally.

But, Mr. Moss said, that legacy is one that depends on current generations “building a better world.”

“It’s up to everyone to share his vision ... for the future of America is dependent on the influence of Dr. King,” Mr. Moss said. “The legacy ... of excellence ... is in our hands. How are we handling it? he asked.

Mr. Moss said “freedom for the spirit” must be the choice “nationally, in communities, colleges, high schools, primary schools, homes and hearts.” “It’s about what we can do, what we should do, and what we must do,” Mr. Moss said.

The choice is between non-violent co-existence or violent annihilation, Mr. Moss said. The choice — the legacy of Dr. King in the 21st century for non-violent activism — is in your hands, Mr. Moss concluded.