SPEAKERS PAY TRIBUTE TO KING, CALL ON INDIVIDUALS TO MAKE DIFFERENCE.Byline: Brooke Olson Daily News Staff Writer Ceremonies commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s 69th birthday offered a chance to reflect, to motivate and to celebrate the advancement of minorities since the civil rights movement began. Across Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. , people of all races paused to mark the birth of King, who was an influential figure during one of the country's most turbulent periods. King was assassinated as·sas·si·nate tr.v. as·sas·si·nat·ed, as·sas·si·nat·ing, as·sas·si·nates 1. To murder (a prominent person) by surprise attack, as for political reasons. 2. April 4, 1968. ``Everybody is somebody,'' said Los Angeles Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas Mark Ridley-Thomas (born 1954) is currently a California State Senate where he chairs the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee]]. He represents the 26th district which includes the communities of Vermont Knolls, Jefferson Park, Leimert Park, Hancock Park, Korean , during the University of Southern California's 17th annual celebration, themed ``One Person Can Make a Change.'' ``All it takes is one person to make a difference,'' Ridley-Thomas said. In the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. , the Interfaith Council will hold its Martin Luther King Jr. celebration Monday, the national holiday. Speakers will include CSUN CSUN California State University Northridge President Blenda Wilson and Los Angeles Councilman Richard Alarcon. The 10th annual service, titled ``Forwarding the Dream: A Decade of Remembering Together,'' is designed to bring members of all religious faiths together. It will be held at the Temple Beth Hillel at 12326 Riverside Drive A number of cities around the world have a Riverside Drive. In the United States:
``We want people to recognize that King's message is suitable for everyone,'' said Barry Smedberg, executive director of Interfaith Council. ``We understand that people are more comfortable associating with those who are just like them, but we want to make sure that they don't have a problem sitting down with someone else and eating with them.'' It may also be a good chance to educate a few on the history of the civil rights movement. At USC's celebration, organizers also planned a tribute to civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and intended to award her a commemorative plaque for her contribution to ending segregationist seg·re·ga·tion·ist n. One that advocates or practices a policy of racial segregation. seg  re·ga rules that relegated African-Americans to the back of the bus in Montgomery, Ala. Due to illness, Parks was unable to attend the celebration. Instead, a close friend accepted the award on her behalf. Dancers, singers and a live band were on hand while speakers urged the crowd to stand up and make a difference. ``Don't take the easy way out and sit on the bleachers,'' Ridley-Thomas said. ``You don't have to do it all but you . . . must do what you can with what you have. ``All it takes is a single act of determination . . . to make a difference.'' CAPTION(S): Photo, box PHOTO Betsy Levitt, left, Pablo Rodriguez and Ela Schuetze-Coburn sing `happy birthday' to Martin Luther King Jr. during the USC An abbreviation for U.S. Code. program. John McCoy/Daily News Box: Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. |
|
||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion