‘The Rev.’ was more than a title for Martin Luther King Jr.

‘The Rev.’ was more than a title for Martin Luther King Jr.

Ernie Brown Jr.’s April 2 col- umn posed the question, if Dr. King were alive today, would he be pleased at statistics regarding the progress and advancement of blacks. I realize that for ease and convenience, this great man’s name is often reduced to Dr. King, or MLK or even King, yet there are times when a name or title should not be left out.

One of the religious sisters who taught me in the 1960s was named “Sister Mary Richard.” At times, students or parents would call her “Sister Richard,” to which she would promptly respond in a stern voice, “Don’t forget the ‘Mary.’” For her, the name “Mary” was an integral part of who she was, being a Sister of the Humility of Mary.

In speaking of the non-violent man whose death was ended in a violent act on April 4, 1968, I would add, “Don’t forget the ‘Reverend.’” The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was energized and driven by his commitment to the Gospel message of inclusion of the outcasts and marginalized. In fact, his speech of April 3, 1968 makes reference to “...[being] on the mountaintop.” This mountain reference is biblical in its connection to both Moses and Jesus on the mountain. He was not afraid to stand firm in his principles of non-violence and acceptance of people of all races, regardless of personal cost.

Let us pass on to generations who were not alive in 1968 the message of this hero, but please ... “don’t forget the ‘Reverend.’”

Linda Miller, Youngstown