A Community Indivisible

By Margaret Gallagher
News Reporter

Monday morning, at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and South LBJ Drive, San Marcans gathered to pay their thoughtful considerations and respects in memory of the King of Progress, Martin Luther King Jr.

The theme was “Enhance the dream- make it real” and citizens, alongside local politicians, united to honor what would have been Reverend King’s 89th birthday. The memorial was poignant and unique to the city, with a silent march down the street of his namesake, and a moving program hosted by the Greater Bethel Baptist Church on Centre Street.

Speakers included Pastor Derrick Benn of Greater Bethel Baptist Church; Andrea Price, a representative of Coretta Scott King’s former sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha; Mayor Thomaides, Dr. Chad Chaddick and keynote speaker Dr. Kenneth J. White Jr.

Dr. White is a professor at Bread of Life Christian University Theological Seminary and a Veteran of the Armed Forces. His address to the congregation was to give a voice to not only the famous dream of Martin Luther King Jr., but to your own dreams and the dreams of the generation after you.

Speaking on the theme of furthering “The Dream” MLK set in motion for us, Dr. White said, “You’re going to have to open up your mouth and create, and enhance, and see what you want your world to be, what you want your community to be and most importantly what you want yourself to be.”

His speech touched on similar notes as Reverend King’s famous address, “If vs. Though Faith”, rallying our San Marcos community to stand steady to what we hope for the future– even in the face of misfortune, woes and discrimination.

Following the program, Pastor Derrick Benn opened up a dialogue about racial relations within San Marcos. Of those who spoke up, it became clear the consensus was a desire for more inclusive curriculum for our youth, and an expansion of the morals we visit on the third Monday of January throughout the whole year.

It’s not hard to be inspired by a group of people like these San Marcans, who dedicate their time, money and efforts to actively making the community better for the future. Among the crowd, one can’t help but think of the famous words, spoken by the King himself, “Justice is indivisible, and injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Featured image by Margaret Gallagher.