Remembering Martin Luther King JR

Today is an important day where we remember the life of Martin Luther King Jr. A man who spoke so eloquently about non-violence and who sparked a consciousness within so many of us. 

Dr. King inspired me to seek out truth, to believe in peaceful protest, to understand that only with a voice can we be heard.  I learned that music is a powerful tool against ignorance and hate. that is what I will sing about today.

Here are some words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's last address April 3, 1968 at Riverside Church given the night before he was assassinated.

"....only when it was dark enough can you see the stars......non-violence or non-existence that is where we are today...we got to stay together and maintain unity...."

Fallen Friends

April 4th has had a huge significance in my life.

On April 4, 1965  Richard Grier, my father slipped into a coma, and lost his battle with cancer on April 25th in Middletown, CT age 33 

On April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King was gunned down in Memphis, TN age 39

and On April 4, 1989 Peter VanderPutten lost his fight with AIDS in Key West, FL at The Cypress House the guest house he owned.  I was by his side. Peter my cousin, my teacher age 48

I wrote a song called "Fallen Friends" for Peter and for all those lost to AIDS so many, so quickly in the 1980's. We haven't forgotten, now more than ever.

listen to an MP3 Fallen Friends 

Lyrics

Fallen Friends Words/Music-C. Grier Sesac Singerfish Publishing 

Where Have My Friends Gone

They Have All Fallen

Where Are My Many Fallen Friends

I Hope They Are Somewhere

Where No Anger Resides And There's No Hate

Where No One Decides What's Wrong Or Right

Before Its Too Late

Where Have My Friends Gone

Last I Looked They Were Healthy And Funny

But Where Are My Many Fallen Friends

I Keep Looking Again

Chorus:

And They're Falling

My Falling, Falling Friends

My Falling, Falling Friends

Some Saw Denial

And There Lifestyles On Trial

Some Tried To Say

Why Has The Government Looked Far Away

Number Days Are All Gone

Chorus

And What We Are Missing

By Not Taking A Stand

Are The Many Numbers Too Afraid To Lend A Hand

And There's Such A Demand

Lives That Are Cut Short

It Doesn't Make Sense

Why Can't We, Why Can't We Rise Up

And Help Find A Cure, Others Aren't Sure

And They're Falling Falling Lovers, Falling Men

Falling Women, My Falling Friends And They're Falling Children

Falling Lovers, Falling Men, Falling Women, My Falling Friends

Will The Falling Ever End

Blame the Snow? Would MLK Jr?

Blame the Snow on not honoring Martin Luther King Junior's  Birthday?  It's been 25 years since Congress passed into legislation Martin Luther King day, a commitment to serve the common good. And 43 years since his assassination.  Shame on Charlotte North Carolina and some Georgia school systems that will not honor this holiday because they have to 'make -up' for snow days. In the wake of last week's gun violence in Tucson as a result of hate and mental instability, I do hope these schools will take the opportunity to use the day to teach the life and devotion of  MLK who challenged our society to be better. For those who do have the day "off" consider the benefits of community service, of shared civility and compassion, much needed lessons for us all.  

Let's remind and teach about the birth of the Civil Rights movement and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and the speeches and beliefs he was able to deliver.  Transcript I Have A Dream speech.

The tragedy of King's death has not been in vain, we lost a great soul, but his passing paved a road to the White House unimaginable in 1968. We still have a way to go.  Let the children lead the way.

NYCSubwayGirl is about compassion and authenticity, of ethics and right action.  To try and understand the human condition and to embrace our ever growing and challenging world with empathy not apathy.  With the belief that we all have a place at the table, on the streets, or in our workplace and homes to make a difference.  We can agree to disagree and through conversation move our nation forward not backward into hate and fear.

Update

on 2011-01-21 14:09 by NYC Subway Girl

I received this email from Michelle Obama:

The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., is usually remembered for his heroic leadership of the civil rights movement -- he led the successful Montgomery bus boycott, delivered the "I Have A Dream" speech at a time when such words were still controversial, and ultimately gave his own life to the cause of equality.

But Dr. King was much more than a civil rights champion -- he was a man who lived his entire life in service to others, speaking out against poverty, economic injustice, and violence. Wherever he saw suffering, he did what he could to help, no matter who it was that needed him or why they were in pain. Through his leadership, he showed us what we can accomplish when we stand together.

Each January, we remember Dr. King on his own holiday -- and one of the best ways to preserve his legacy is to engage in service ourselves. As Dr. King told us, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

That's why this Monday, January 17th, Organizing for America volunteers will be participating in service projects all across the country in Dr. King's honor. There will be food drives, neighborhood clean-ups, education projects, blood drives, and more.

Will you find and sign up for an event in your area, and help make this country an even better place?

This movement is about so much more than politics -- it is about coming together through progress, change, and community. Lifting each other up in dedication and service is one of the best ways not only to honor Dr. King, but to honor each other. By giving service a new role in this country, we can establish a new foundation for our economy and a brighter future for our children.

That is why service is key to achieving our national priorities, and why Barack recently helped out at a Boys and Girls Club service event. Since moving to Washington, D.C., two years ago, he and I have gotten to know the community through similar service projects, including past Martin Luther King Day events. I treasure those opportunities, and I look forward to another one next week. Every time we pitch in, we get so much back, and always learn amazing things from our neighbors.

All of us have something to contribute, and all of us can make a meaningful difference in someone's life. It's a great way to remind others that they are not forgotten, and to remind ourselves that there are always things we can do.

Please help Barack and me honor the legacy of Dr. King, and join us in service to our country once again this year:

http://my.barackobama.com/MLKday

Thanks,

Michelle