D-M MLK Committee readies for revered activist’s holiday

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michael Russell
  • 612th Air Operations Center
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Dr. Martin Luther King Day Special Observance Committee would like to invite you join the DLT as we pay tribute to the many positive deeds and contributions to the advancement of Civil Rights Dr. King brought to modern society.

For 2012, the DLT focus is on Dr. King's "Beloved Community" concept. The Beloved Community is a term that was first coined in the early days of the 20th Century by the philosopher-theologian Josiah Royce, who founded the Fellowship of Reconciliation.

However, it was Dr. Martin Luther King who popularized the term and made it synonymous with a deeper meaning which has captured the imagination of people of goodwill all over the world. Dr. King was the lead advocate for the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s-60s - a time where there was great turmoil and acts of violence.

"The Beloved Community" concept for Dr. King was a realistic, achievable goal that could be attained by a critical mass of people committed to, and trained in, the philosophy and methods of nonviolence. Dr. King's "Dream" was not only meant for freedom and equality of African-Americans; but for all ethnicities and all of mankind, in America and ultimately around the world.

The core value of the quest for Dr. King's Beloved Community was "agape" love. In an article published on February 6, 1957, Dr. King elaborates on the love of which he speaks pertaining to "The Beloved Community." Dr. King does not refer to love in a sentimental or romantic sense, but more so in the sense of understanding and goodwill. He spoke of a love known by the Greek term, "agape."

Agape love is not of a sentimental or affectionate type. It means understanding and redefining goodwill for all men through an overflowing love which seeks nothing in return. Here we rise to the position of loving the person who does the misdeed, while condemning the deed itself.

In an attempt to keep Dr. King's "Dream" alive, the DLT will commemorate this special occasion by reminding everyone that MLK Day is a day of service. It is "A Day On, Not a Day Off." The Dr. Martin Luther King Special Observance Day Committee's 2012 theme is: Remember! Celebrate! Act!

We have planned three events to support the theme starting with a 5K fun run at Sunglow Jan. 20 at 7 a.m. The first 50 participants will receive a commemorative stainless steel water bottle.

On Jan. 25, the DLT will host Mr. Tony Penn of the United Way as guest speaker at the annual MLK breakfast. The breakfast program will start at 7:30 a.m. and feature a buffet-style offering. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Master Sgt. Jacqueline Pinkett-Smith at 228-2154 or Airman 1st Class Jelisa Monk at 228-4660.

Finally, DLT members are invited to reinvest in the local community by participating in a visit to the local VA, or by rolling up their sleeves and assisting elderly residents with yard work/clean up at 1 p.m. Jan. 25. Volunteers can contact Master Sgt. Tyryne Livone at 228-5401.