To honor the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, Golden Valley Community Connection and Outreach Specialist Airrion Williams interviewed some Golden Valley community members about how Dr King's work, life, and legacy has impacted their lives. In this interview, Williams asked resident Denise Mazone (see top image) about the I Have A Dream speech where Dr King called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States.
How do you think this has impacted society?
"Dr Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered August 28, 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, is widely considered to be one of the most influential speeches in American history. The speech called for an end to racism and for civil rights for African Americans. It inspired a generation of civil rights activists and helped to mobilize the Civil Rights Movement. It also helped the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The speech is widely considered to be one of the greatest speeches in American and Black history and is still remembered and celebrated today."
How has this impacted you personally?
"The passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has allowed me to be a homeowner and to live in a community that I may not have been able to in the past. The one phrase that resonated with me from Dr King's speech was "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
How do you honor Martin Luther King, Jr Day?
"I honor MLK Day with a day of service. I start my day at the General Mills MLK Day Breakfast, then volunteer within my community, ending with family dinner to reflect on the day and life of Dr King."
For more information on the I Have A Dream speech, visit the National Archives website. Read the complete text of the speech here.
9th Annual MLK Jr Holiday Of Service Set For Jan 15
Celebrate community and the 94th birthday of Dr Martin Luther King Jr at the 9th annual MLK Holiday Weekend of Service today, Jan 15, 2023, 2-4:30 pm, at Breck School, 123 Ottawa Avenue N. Attend in person or online via zoom. The event is hosted by Sweet Potato Comfort Pie in partnership with multiple community organizations, including the City of Golden Valley.
The event kicks off with a parade of pies and will feature exhibits, speakers, conversation, and awards, such the winners of the Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Commission's 2023 MLK Human Rights Contest.
To learn more, visit the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie website.