San Angelo Martin Luther King Jr. Association Honors A Legacy of Hope

SAN ANGELO, TX - Most people are familiar with the name Martin Luther King Jr, and associate him with the "I have a dream" speech (click here), but if you were asked what it meant, or what else he stood for, would you be able to elaborate?

According to History.com, Martin Luther King Jr. (born Michael King Jr., January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American Baptist minister and activist who helped lead the Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using non-violent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs.

In his short life of 39 years, King Jr. had a number of accomplishments to his credit in effort to unite all Americans, and this is why Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a holiday in numerous cities and states beginning in 1971, and as a U.S. federal holiday in 1986.

Those who were around in the 1950s and 60s vividly remember a time of great tension in all areas, especially those involving race relations.

San Angeloan Franklin A. Devore Sr. is the president of the San Angelo Martin Luther King Jr. Association, and said, "I'm 74 years old and have seen a lot of changes; the ones I worry about are my grandkids. I often wonder what kind of world they are going to have, and how they are going to manage."

He added, "Our organization was started about 10 or 12 years ago, and we have about 20 members. It is funded with money out of our own pockets and nominal donations received, which go to educate our youth on Dr. King's legacy."

Devore Sr. said the organization's youth group starts the kids out as soon as they are old enough to talk, and teachings continue through their teens.

"All of the money we raise goes for their college scholarships," Devore Sr. said.

He stressed, "Dr. King went to college, became a Baptist preacher and saw the problems going on with all people. Fortunately, he was a great speaker, and when he spoke out, people listened. He was determined to bring this country together. There aren't too many people willing to do that nowadays."

Besides being a civil rights activist, King determined to end segregation, helped organize non-violent protests, and expanded his focus to include opposition towards poverty and the Vietnam War. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee and had been planning a national occupation of Washington, D.C., or the Poor People's Campaign. Contrary to all he had worked for to unify of our country, his death was followed by violent riots in many U.S. cities.

In regards to the next generation's values and ethics, Devore is a believer that nowadays political correctness has ruined the country.

He said, "No one can say anything without offending somebody."

He agreed that outside sources dictate how parents can discipline, teach, or correct their own child in a reasonable manner, and, because parents fear repercussions, "this is one way we are losing the next generation."

Devore noted, "Another problem in society is our communication, as well as the media. Cell phones, iPads, and social media are getting information out there, and I'm just wondering can the country stand it? It's unfortunate many don't have respect for our President. I don't care who won; I voted, and whether my candidate won or not, I am obligated to support [him] for the next four years, as well as whoever is in office for the next term. Everything is not going to go my way and I know that. I wouldn't want everything to go my way."

In an effort to encourage reunification, and remembering King's intentions, DeVore said this is a four-day weekend for his group.

"Our youth group met on Friday at the New Jeruselem Church of Christ where they performed skits, spoke and sang, and, on Saturday, we had our MLK Gospelfest with songs of praise and worship," said Devore. "Sunday, everyone was welcomed at St. Paul's Presbitarian Church for a commemorative service, and then Monday, the actual observed holiday, we will have our ecumenical service."

The Monday service will be at the San Angelo Greater IME at 104 E. 17th Street and will start at noon.  

"We will try to keep it an hour for those who only have a lunch time break from work," said Devore. "We'll have a speaker and songs to honor him that day. This ecumenical service is for all; we don't care who you are, just as long as you come to honor him."  

Devore said although Dr. King was a Baptist Minister, these celebrations are not about the denomination of the church; it's about Dr. King as a man and everything he did for the human race.

"This is America, and we are a divided country right now," he added. "I'm originally from Washington DC," and without elaborating, he said he is "glad to be in Texas."

He also noted, "It's sad that recently a famous actor went on social media saying we needed to forget about the past, move forward in life and support our President, and the internet just lit up on him."  

Bringing the focus back to why Dr King's principles are so important, and why they need to continue, Devore said, "This weekend, the idea is to celebrate the holiday and his legacy. If you can't come out to the events, the library has some good books on his life and legacy."

With hope, faith and prayer, Devore said he is "ready for postive changes for all of us." 

The organization does not have a website or Facebook page, but he said, "If anyone would like to help us, we sure would welcome the help."

For more information, contact (325) 656-0299.