Celebrations and remembrances of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., mean nothing if persons don't put into action today the values King stood for or worse: if people don't really understand what he stood for in the first place.
So says Jeff Johnson.
Johnson, host and producer of BET's "The Cousin Jeff Chronicles," a series of mini-documentaries that tell stories of black and Latino communities, was the keynote speaker for Eastern Michigan University's annual MLK Day Celebration Jan. 21. Before a packed crowd in the Student Center Auditorium that overflowed into a nearby room, Johnson presented "Unclaimed: Who Will Be the Next Social Movement?"
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REMEMBERING KING: Jeff Johnson, keynote
speaker for EMU's MLK Day Celebration Jan.
21, makes a point that Dr. King was not a born
leader, but one who was prepared to
eventually lead. Johnson spoke to an overflow
crowd in the Student Center Auditorium. |
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"A celebration is not about events. A celebration is not about pomp and circumstance...The problem I have with (Martin Luther) King Day is I wonder how many would remember him if we weren't told to," said Johnson, who stalked the stage and, at times, spoke in fire-and-brimstone tones.
Johnson, who began his speech by saying he wasn't there to be liked, urged the crowd to realize Dr. King's life was not just about his "I Have a Dream" speech — one moment in time — but an everyday way of life and set of beliefs that King actually lived and was willing to die for.
"MLK in America has been 'Santa Claus-ized.' He's the black Santa Claus that little kids try to emulate and be like, and has been romanticized by parents," Johnson said in a chagrined tone. "He was not perfect, and never wanted to be emulated in that way."
Johnson said that more leaders with King's values are needed today, but stressed that King was not a born leader. King did not go to Morehouse College for his undergraduate degree with any idea he would eventually become a civil rights leader, Johnson said.
"He didn't know he was going to lead the Montgomery bus boycott. He didn't roll up on the set and say, 'I got this, dawg.' King understood it is, 'What am I prepared to contribute?'" Johnson said.
Like King, Johnson said many persons have multiple degrees and credentials, but that does not mean they are prepared to lead. America needs to remember King as a prepared leader rather than a born leader.
Johnson urged today's leaders to be original and develop their own views, not be lazy and rely solely on King's. He called out the crowd to challenge today's church leaders, many whom he said want to act or speak like King, but who do not put themselves out there like King. Johnson also said he likes Barack Obama, but hasn't decided whether he will vote for him. More research is needed, he said.
"We've gotten so caught up with the style of candidates, but not their substance," Johnson said. "Obama is a leader who happens to be black. Negroes have got to stop talking like he's working for social change. He's making a movement for political and legislative change. He never said he's trying to be (Dr.) King."
Johnson added, "But, we're excited. My God, Oprah and white people like him now. He's articulate," comments that drew laughter from the audience.
Efforts to raise $100 million for an MLK memorial in Washington, D.C., also drew his ire. He said King would have never wanted a statue in his honor and said half of black America couldn't afford to see it if it were built.
"It's a statue, though, and makes me feel good when I see it," Johnson said facetiously. "King wasn't about feeling good. He was about doing right and being united, but loved for inspiring people to do what they would not do otherwise."
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READY FOR YOUR CLOSEUP: EMU's CloseUP Theatre
Troupe performs a scene from "Deferred Dreams,
Loans and Losses" in the Student Center Auditorium.
The performance was one of many events that took
place on campus to celebrate the memory of Martin
Luther King, Jr. Jan. 21. |
During the President's MLK Day Luncheon, a number of awards were handed out — to young and old — who exemplify the values of Dr. King.
Jessica "Decky" Alexander, associate professor of communication and theatre arts; the late Don Anderson, EMU's former director of access services; and Paul Tucker, Jr., a local engineer, were awarded the MLK Jr. Honor Awards.
Sebastien Braxton, an EMU senior finance major, was the recipient of the MLK Student Humanitarian Award. The award recognizes individuals from within the University and the local community who exemplify the values and ideals of Dr. King. Braxton, who served as co-master of ceremonies at the MLK President's Luncheon, sits on the board of Campus H.O.P.E. for EMU and the University of Michigan.
Dara Walker was presented the Evans-Strand Award, a $1,000 prize that recognizes an individual for significant contributions in advancing the cause of diversity at EMU.
Awards also were handed out at the breakfast event.
Clara Turnage, a senior at Lincoln High School, was the winner of the Margaret Crawford Trailblazer Award. Turnage has a 3.5 GPA and is president of Lincoln's senior class. She hopes to attend Michigan State University and major in business marketing.
Tabiatha Rawls, an Ypsilanti High School senior, was the recipient of the Lee and Nora Martin Award. Rawls is a member of her school's basketball, track and cheerleading teams. She plans to attend college and receive a degree in social work.
Genevieve Jones, of Ypsilanti High School, was the winner of the Ypsilanti Public Schools MLK Essay and Creative Arts Contest, which included eight other finalists from area elementary, middle and high schools. She was awarded a $200 savings bond for her essay.
The University's MLK Day celebration concluded with a march and candlelight vigil, which started at the Student Center bookstore, traversed campus to the MLK bust near Ford Hall and back to the Student Center for an afterglow event. Related events began Jan. 17 and a few more are scheduled today.
MLK-related events wrap up today with a showing of "Little Rock Central: 50 Years Later," 4:30-7:30 p.m., in the Halle Library Auditorium. The film will be followed by a discussion with EMU professors Victor Okafor, Marian Dokes-Brown and Deborah Harmon, who will serve as panelists. Refreshments will be served.
