The Wake

Martin Luther King III was 10 years old when his father was shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 1968. The civil rights leader was in Memphis to help lead sanitation workers in a protest against low wages and intolerable working conditions.

“We did not know how we were going to make it but we knew that somehow we would survive,” said King. “I’m thankful for the spirit of love that existed in our home and in our family. Those kinds of experiences made an indelible impact on our lives as youngsters and taught us to follow nonviolence. Our mother [the late Coretta Scott King] taught us to dislike an evil act but not hate the person.”

Since that time, King, his three siblings and many others have strived to continue to spread his father’s message of nonviolence and social change. While acknowledging that the country has come a long way since the civil rights movements of previous generations, King spoke at the university on Feb. 27 to encourage a new generation to follow in the footsteps of the great civil rights leader because “we still have a long way to go.”

“We are at a critical juncture in our world. Our planet is growing smaller everyday but as our planet continues in this direction we are engaged in a lot of strife,” said King. “Humankind has not learned how to treat each other properly—we can and must do a better job.”

King stressed that people need to “work to cure the debilitating neuroses of racism, bigotry and discrimination” in particular. He called for “a new nonviolent revolution.” “When nonviolence is applied, it is the most powerful force to be used by people all over the world,” he said.

Martin Luther King, Jr. outlined six principles of nonviolence as an attitude and philosophy. His son shared them with the Great Hall audience, the majority of which were students. Firstly, nonviolence is “a way of life for courageous people,” King said. It seeks to win “friendship and understanding” and defeat injustice, not individuals. Suffering can educate and transform a believer of nonviolence. Finally, nonviolence “chooses love instead of hate” and has faith that “the universe is on the side of justice,” he said.

King also listed six steps for nonviolent social change, including the gathering of all relevant information, educating others about the issues, committing to the struggle with a pure conscience, negotiating with other parties, performing necessary direct action (such as protests or boycotts), and, finally, a reconciliation between opposing parties that is the reward of nonviolence. Only a nonviolent approach, which makes “a heart-to-heart connection with your adversary,” allows for the possibility of a lasting peace. Every other sort of struggle only creates future conflict, King explained.

He concluded with a call to action. “It’s important to dream because we need a vision of a better future,” King said. “Remember the dreamer and become dreamers and doers yourselves.”

If you’re interested in becoming a member, go to the AISCC (Room 204 in Coffman) and sign up with your name and e-mail. The group holds weekly meetings Mondays at 3 p.m. and all members are welcome to attend.