EQUALITY DREAM RECALLED; VALLEY SERVICE HONORS DIVERSITY.

Byline: Jason Kandel Staff Writer

NORTHRIDGE - Amid soothing piano music, Indian dancing and prayer, more than 1,000 people remembered slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the 12th annual San Fernando Valley Interfaith Service at California State University, Northridge.

``What I am most thankful for, as a member of white America, historically franchised at the expense of others, is to share my own miracle of transformation and understanding,'' said tribute speaker Jack Hayford, pastor of The Church of the Way in Van Nuys. ``Martin Luther King's influence in shedding light on the perspective of blinded people, such as I, has been and continues to be pivotal in overcoming bigotry and advancing liberty in our nation.''

Themed ``2000: Same Dream, New Voices,'' the services Monday brought together a diverse group of religious leaders and others, including children, to perpetuate King's dream of equality and justice.

In a nod to King's fight to help African-Americans gain equal rights, community leaders at the event presented the Bradley Award to Ariana Zeno and Brandon Green. They have exemplified King's dream, leaders said.

The award was named after the late Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, who presenters said valued young people and promoted the dream of an all-inclusive nation.

During the ceremony, inside the college's large student union hall, young girls wearing red, blue and white dresses and gold jewelry, danced to Indian music while the audience watched, mesmerized. They were celebrating diversity.

Barry A. Smedberg, executive director of the Valley Interfaith Council, said the service was an excellent forum for celebrating King's birthday.

``The lifework and the dream of Dr. King continues to challenge and motivate all Americans, whatever our religion is,'' he said. ``We commemorate the legacy of Dr. King because of his religious zeal to stand up against injustice. Our shared faith is that his dream will be realized.''

The CSUN interim president, Louanne Kennedy, added: ``Our work at Cal State Northridge to provide opportunities for our diverse student body to fulfill their dreams and potential is the direct result of the Rev. King's leadership and hard work. The fact that we as a society continue to celebrate his deeds and words in the new century is a tribute to his wisdom and vision.''

Across the nation, Americans remembered King with marches and speeches urging dedication to his principles and his dream of racial harmony and equality.

This was the 15th year the King memorial has been celebrated as a national holiday and the first year it was observed in some form in all 50 states.

In Columbia, S.C., about 46,000 people marched in protest of the state flag's incorporation of the Confederate stars and bars. They called the flag a symbol of slavery and racism and demanded that it be taken down from the Statehouse.

Marchers also said the slain civil rights leader should be honored with a permanent state holiday in South Carolina as it is elsewhere.

``The flag is coming down today,'' marchers sang as they walked six blocks. Some carried signs reading, ``Your heritage is my slavery.''

In Atlanta, Vice President Al Gore joined King's widow, Coretta Scott King, and some of her family in placing two wreaths at King's grave. King, who was assassinated in Memphis, Tenn., in 1968, would have marked his 71st birthday Saturday.