Speeches, marches honor MLK
Associated Press
ATLANTA
As the nation remembered and reflected Monday on the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., leaders and everyday Americans talked about how far the country has come in the past 50 years and how much more is to be done.
At Ebenezer Baptist Church in King’s hometown of Atlanta, civil-rights leaders and members of King’s own family spoke about poverty, violence, health care and voting rights, all themes from the civil-rights struggle that still resonate to this day.
“There is much work that we must do,” King’s daughter Bernice King said. “Are we afraid, or are we truly committed to the work that must be done?”
The event in Atlanta featured music, songs and choirs and was one of many celebrations, marches, parades and community service projects that took place Monday across the nation to honor the slain civil-rights leader. It was 50 years ago that King appeared on the cover of Time magazine as its Man of the Year, and the nation was on the cusp of passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964. King would win the Nobel Peace Prize later that year.
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal said not many states could boast a native son that merited a national holiday. “But we Georgians can,” he told the audience.
Deal said this year he would work with state legislators to find a way to honor King at the Georgia Capitol, which drew a standing ovation. He did not give any specifics, but civil-rights leaders have suggested a statue. The only current tribute to King at the state Capitol is a portrait inside the Statehouse.
“I think that more than just saying kind thoughts about him, we ought to take action ourselves,” said Deal, a Republican. “That’s how we embed truth into our words. I think it’s time for Georgia’s leaders to follow in Dr. King’s footsteps and take action, too.”
In the fall, a statue of 19th- century white-supremacist politician and newspaperman Tom Watson was removed from the Capitol.