Photo By Patricia Muntean | Angela K. Blevins performs an interpretive dance to the song “A Change is Gonna...... read more read more
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FORT LEE, Va. - A few hundred members of the Fort Lee military community gathered at the Lee Theater Jan. 15 to celebrate the life and accomplishments of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Hosted by the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade and the Equal Opportunity Office, the theme of the observance was “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off!”
In her opening remarks, Col. Mary Beth Taylor, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade commander, said “Dr. King blazed trails for us all, regardless of race, color, creed or gender. His fearless movement gave hope to his followers and inspired future generations. His hard work paved the way for the dreams of the future and he refused to accept despair.
“He has touched the future, (and) he has touched us,” she continued. “We may not all be here today if not for the aggressive, fearless lead of Dr. King… I ask you to reflect on his accomplishments and his bravery and then consider what bold, brave and fearless move you can make to improve our society, our community, our military, our Army and your family.”
The guest speaker for the event was Dion D. Diamond, a native of Petersburg who at age 19 rode a Greyhound bus from Montgomery, Ala., to Jackson, Miss., as part of a Freedom Ride. He was arrested the next day. He spoke about the trip and his many other experiences as a civil rights activist.
Of Dr. King, he said, “Dr. King was a true hero. (He) preached a message of peace; he preached a message of togetherness. As I look across this auditorium, I can suggest to you that you are the product of what he preached. I don’t know that if too many persons of color would have obtained the rank that many of you guys and ladies have obtained (if it had not been for Dr. King.)”
Diamond asked the audience to “please treat your fellow man as if he were your brother or your sister. And please, embrace one another and try to make a good life.”
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2015 15:31 |
| Story ID: | 152498 |
| Location: | FORT LEE, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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