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Jan. 16, 2012, is the 26th anniversary of the federal holiday recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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MLK feature: 'Insufficient funds'
Posted 1/12/2012 Updated 1/12/2012
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Commentary by Vanneca Phelps
30th Space Wing Equal Opportunity Office
1/12/2012 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- "In a sense we have come to cash a check... It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note... Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."
Although not recognizable, these lines are verses taken from Dr. Martin Luther King's speech "I have a dream." This speech was given on Aug. 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Dr. King was 34 years old. Martin Luther King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, and would be 83 years old on Sunday. The Martin Luther King Holiday will be observed on Jan. 16.
Dr. Martin Luther King was best known as a civil rights leader. He was also a Baptist minister and wrote many speeches and sermons prior to the well known "I have a dream" speech. Reverend King as well as his father, Martin Luther King Sr., and his younger brother, A.D. King were all Baptist ministers and pacifists; their mission; peace through non-violence. The civil rights movement served as a catalyst to advance that peace. Before he became the icon during the African American civil rights movement, he wrote many other sermons. The theme that rings throughout the speeches as well as the sermons is peace and goodwill.
Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, one of the youngest to receive it, for his continued work for unity between nations and for the holding and promotion of peace. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King is commemorated Jan. 16, as a great civil rights leader and author of the "I have a dream" speech, remember him also as a great orator, who left a message of peace. The following verses, also taken from the "I have a dream" speech, epitomize his message: "With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood... We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation."
Dr. King, on your 83rd birthday, you would be happy to know the check returned for insufficient funds has been paid in full. Thank you for your payment.
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