The local channels did about one minute on this. Human rights should be more important, and they should definitely be important to homeless people. Saw a few of you there. Thanks for showing.---your editor
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And these children that you spit on as they try to change their world are immune to your consultation. They’re quite aware of what they’re going through.”
David Bowie Changes
I almost didn’t go. I had gone to bed very late last night (well this morning I guess I should say), and I felt tired and achy after work. I’m really rushing to get there. Nobody’s going with me, I told myself. The apartment’s a mess and I’ve been putting that off for days. Who’ll care if I don’t go to the MLK. Jr. Celebration, Rally, and Marade? I’ve learned over the years to listen to my little voice, and also there are times when I should not listen to it. Today ended up being one of the latter times, and I ended up glad that I made the correct choice.
Before I tell you the specifics of the event, let me give you a little preliminary about Martin Luther King Day in the U.S. and Utah. Former President Ronald Reagan signed the legislation creating the day in 1983 (That’s one thing he did right). It was not officially recognized nationwide as a holiday, however, until 1986. Except here in Utah. It was known as Human Rights Day here until 2000. There is some contention and hair-splitting over that to this day, with those who say that HR Day was better because it included everyone (Yeah, that doesn’t sound like a Utah idea to me either). Many others feel that Rev. Dr. King was such an exceptional person, he should have a day near his birthday (January 15th), just like some of our past presidents do. Most probably feel that as long as they get a three-day weekend, they don’t care what it’s called.
Today’s even was organized by the University of Utah Office for Equity and Diversity, which sponsors other outstanding events such as LGBT Pride Week, Women’s Week, American Indian Awareness, and Pacific Islander Awareness.
The venue was East High School auditorium. organizer Jay Molock was greeting people, and talking to the press out front. Volunteers handed out signs for those who were planning to march after the festivities. A jazz band practiced just outside the doors. It was a very festive and welcoming atmosphere.
I was surprised by the size of the auditorium. Seated next to me was Salt Lake Tribune columnist Peg McEntee (Lovely meeting and talking to you, Peg). Unfortunately, only a third of the seats filled before Jay introduced Rev. Curtis Price of First Baptist Church, who delivered the invocation. He aptly described our faltering country as “...a family unduly separated by culture and interest,” while calling for peace and unity.
The inimitable Salt Lake Men’s Choir, be-sequined in red, white, and blue, vocalised The Star-Spangled Banner flawlessly as all stood, many with hand over hearts and singing along.
from Salt Lake men’s Choir web page
Rashawn Carr (sorry if I misspelled or totally muffed your name, bro) followed with an unbelievable a capella Lift Every Voice and Sing, also billed as the Black National Anthem. You did not need that microphone, Rashawn. The entire crowd, which had just been seated after the recent anthem, rose once more – dramatically, like a wave – after the first few notes.
Sasha Nigel (again, sorry if you’re name is incorrect), a local Martin Luther King Scholarship recipient, had a tough act to follow with her winning essay. This astute young Hispanic woman astutely spoke out against .economic, social, and racial inequity “This ‘Melting Pot’ is no longer melting as it once did,” she averred, because “Physical integration is not enough. We need interaction.”
The key speaker at today’s rally was Jennifer Williams Molock, U of U’s Vice-President for Equity and Diversity. Clad in colorful African inspired garb, she delivered her speech with the fervor of a Southern Baptist preacher, invoking the power of not only MLK, but Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and other black iconoclasts. She aptly described America as “A nation at war, fighting for peace and justice abroad,” and challenged all to ask, “Has the dream been deferred, delayed, postponed, or cancelled?” She also offered hope and inspiration, reminding us that even though we may not have the passion, charisma, or faith of King, we, too can – and must – make a difference. “ I am because you are, and we are because I am, and we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.”
Following up in the same daunting spot as her classmate, Janzelle Tudor (final name-slaughtering apology) was undaunted in her rousing rendition of I Know Where I’ve Been, from the musical Hairspray. She received a standing ovation. The men’s choir ended the program with what might be considered the 60’s activist anthem, We Shall Overcome.
from Eastern Arts web site. Click to hear the band.
The questionable weather co-operated, stopping morning rains for the marade (march+parade). Perhaps 100 (really, people? In a city of this size?)students and faculty from The U and Westminster College, as well as a few of us writers and unemployed (?) activists wended our way from the high school campus to the nearby university’s President’s Circle. Salt City Saints, a Dixieland Jazz parade band, provided an enjoyable impetus. Their renditions of When The Saints Go Marching In, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, and Yonder In The Glory Land got me so wound up, I danced like a mourner at a New Orleans funeral. The honks, hoots, and waves of a few brave souls along our route were much appreciated.
So for once, failure to heed my wee voice was good. Today I was proud to be among Americans. I do not say of all creeds, colors, or religions because that does not matter to me. It should not matter to any of us. Perhaps one day it will not.
homelessness. It comes from a plan that President Obama has announced called “Opening Doors.” That,along with links to other informative, entertaining articles, with a few reminders of ways to help homeless people here in SLC are the subjects of this edition of RGR...
