Last night, I had the joy and privilege of taking part in a momentous event celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.鈥檚 sole visit to Seattle. During that visit, after one of his planned speaking events was canceled, Dr. King was invited to address the 91探花, by the 2,000 students who attended his talk.
Yesterday鈥檚 event, organized by the concluded a three-day commemoration with events throughout Seattle that recalled the itinerary of MLK, Jr鈥檚 visit. His son, Martin Luther King, III, delivered the keynote address last night and then joined Seattle community leader and activist Eddie Rye, Jr. for a facilitated talk about the work needed to achieve true racial and economic equity in our own community and everywhere.
Last night鈥檚 event was a vivid reminder that the battle for civil rights and racial justice continues, and that all of us are needed for this work to succeed. Dr. King鈥檚 courage and wisdom inspires us today, as it did the 91探花students who heard him speak here 60 years ago. The work of both Kings is helping us keep our eyes on the prize.
Thank you all of the speakers and organizers at yesterday鈥檚 event, and special thanks to NAAM and its terrific director, LaNesha DeBardelaben, for choosing the 91探花campus to host this memorable and powerful event.