What motivates you to become a leader? What does it take to "jam an emotional crowbar into your locked political or theological safe"? Author, theologian, activist, and radio producer Dennis C. Benson shares the moment when Dr. Martin Luther King became that crowbar, unlocking a lifetime of activism, creative leadership, inspiration, and passion for those in life's margins.
Recently I visited the recently-opened Museum of African American History and Culture. The experience was at once inspiring and troubling. Inspiring because so much of the distinctive texture of American life can be traced directly to its rich African American contributions. Troubling because our nation’s shameful embrace of racism is not just a stain on our nation’s past, but a plague that threatens us still.
It was a sweltering summer Chicago night in 1966 when young activist Mary Nelson first encountered Martin Luther King, Jr. She was just back from a two-year stint as a teacher in Tanzania and living in Chicago's west side when racial tensions were reaching a fever pitch. Listen as Mary tells her story of meeting and marching with Dr. King and gospel great Mahalia Jackson.
For the first time I was in our nation’s capital on the Fourth of July, where the choir directed by my wife Dhilanthi performed at the John F. Kennedy Center.
Later we visited the recently-opened Museum of African American History and Culture. The experience was at once inspiring and troubling. Inspiring because so much of the distinctive texture of American life can be traced directly to its rich African American contributions. Troubling because our nation’s shameful embrace of racism is not just a stain on our nation’s past, but a plague that threatens us still.
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