Peace and Non-Violence or Conflicts and War?
By Patricia Ann Talley, Editor, and Chair of the International Relations Committee for The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force
Every day, we hear news reports of mass killings, hate crimes, wars, and other conflicts in communities around the world. Racism, anti-Semitism, misogyny, and discrimination against people’s sexual orientation are on the rise.
How do we have peace? Do we solve these problems with violence and war? Or do we work together in a nonviolent way?
One of the most famous world leaders in social change and justice was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who practices nonviolent activism.
The Story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. (born Michael King Jr.; January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American Baptist minister and activist, one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement in the United States from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. Dr. King advanced human rights for people of color through nonviolence and civil disobedience. Inspired by his religious beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi, he led targeted, nonviolent resistance against American apartheid (Jim Crow) laws and other forms of discrimination. His actions also impacted the world.
Since he died in 1968, many people in younger generations do not know his story and the impact that he had on the world. This short video explains.
The Global Impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed worldwide on the third Monday in January. For 2023, I had the honor to participate in the remembrance and ceremony in Southfield, Michigan, held by the Dr. MLK Task Force. Over 1,000 people marched in the 38th Annual Peace Walk and attended the program.
My mother, the Honorable Barbara E. Talley, who was the first elected person of color in the city, is the founder of the MLK Task Force, and I am proud to serve as its Chairperson of the International Relations Committee.
I invite you to watch the program. My remarks regarding Mexico start at 33:53. Be sure to hear the keynote address by Dr. John DeVar Tolbert, B.S.W., M. DIV., D. Min. starting at 1:25:20.
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