AfterWords

Links to some of the coverage of Martin Luther King III

The Enterprise
http://www.enterprisenewspapers.com/

The Herald
Hurricane blew the cover off poverty, MLK’s son says — Column by Julie Muhlstein

The Seattle Times
Like father, Martin Luther King III dreams out loud

King’s dream lives on in sons, daughters

Martin King III: living up to society’s expectations — Column by Jerry Large

KUOW
Martin Luther King III Speaks

RESOURCES:
Interfaith Association of Snohomish County (INTERFAITH FAMILY SHELTER) click here.

Contact people:
Wink Cushman, Volunteer Coordinator, (425) 252-6672
Janet Pope, Executive Director, 425-252-6672

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Today, students’ shed light on the issue of homelessness and gave a personal face to the nameless people that are often talked about in the media. Often the “victims” of poverty are blamed for a system gone wrong, but these survivors spoke the truth when they stated, “It could be anyone… that person could be sitting right next to you.” They bravely shared their personal stories and changed people’s perceptions of what it means to be without a house or home. The students were or are currently “homeless” for a variety of reasons, but overall what united their stories was that of being champions for themselves and for others. In every story, there were people that encouraged and supported their journey without judgment. What do you do when you dropped at the bottom of the heap? The students reminded me to keep striving and keep climbing. They inspired me and touched me.

In the end, Shirley Sutton, the Director of the Equity and Diversity Center, read a few words of one individual that could not be on the panel. Within that letter, the writer stated all the things that people say about “homeless” individuals, “Why don’t they get a job?” and “They are so lazy.” Hearing these words and the other phrases people use to tear down people’s hope, especially after the panelists openly and honestly shared their lives, broke me down inside. These are the students’ that upon their hopes gathered strength and found resources within themselves and others to conquer what life has dealt them, but through all the hardships continue to inspire myself and others. I want to say thank you to those that shared their stories as a gift and thank those that listened with open ears and hearts to the panelists. All I can say is be brave and gather strength and I am truly thankful that you spoke and reminded us all to take notice of what and who is around us.

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GUEST BLOGGER: Martel Conley

Martel Conley listens to Martin Luther King III on campus Jan. 23.

Hello Everyone;

This is my third installment of a series of letters or articles all with the aim of overcoming homelessness in my life and in Snohomish County. Normally I would do only one posting per week but the last four days alone have been rich in activity. First there was the Martin Luther King III lecture to which I have dedicated a poem (because he did’nt answer my questions), and then there was the panel on Wednesday for the Homelessness Project, on which I write about today.

Loss of Sight
by martell conley

I see you walking
your face a reflection of eggshell
mind on freedom
faith in prayer
tongue to God
A ghost have you become
purpose like a skeleton-harmless
Where journeyed the dream?
Did it stay at the mountaintop?
or did Charon take it across the Jordan
the promise lost in law
I hear you walking
echoes of bones marching
solace in flight to
A cornucopia of mirrors
that look back in ghastly horror

The Homelessness Project

On Wednesday January 24th Edmond Community College hosted a panel of speakers composed of staff from its Equity Diversity Center, students of EdCC, and a representative from the Interfaith Association of Snohomish County. The panel was basically focused on debunking some of the stereotypes attributed to the reasons that people become homeless.

Ms. Shirley Sutton of the EQDC set the panel agenda and introduced the participants of this moving discussion of life traumas which led to dysfunctional lives. Each of the students (Uneek Maylor, Jordan Johansen, Martell Conley, and Maizy Brown) described some of the many horrors of their lives and how they were able to cope with a seemingly unlivable existence. The stories were heart wrenching but each participant told the audience how they managed to gain victory in their lives in order to move on and create positive goals and inspiring futures.

Blogger Lulu Carpenter, far right, with Mitzella Ah-Fook, Denise Armstrong and Martin Luther King III.

GUEST BLOGGER: Martell Conley, AmeriCorps Students in Service volunteer, Equity and Diversity Center

Hello Everyone,

This will be my second installment of a series of articles dedicated to the exploration and resolution of homelessness.

Martin Luther King III came to Edmonds Community College on Monday, January 23rd. There were no sit-ins, no riots, no marches, and no assassination attempts. It just was’nt that type of party. This was an information event designed to provide insight into the non-violent method of conflict resolution.

This event was sponsored by Central Washington University and hosted by Edmonds Community College along with The Ellensburg Daily Record, The Enterprise Newspapers, and others. After making appearances at CWU-Lynnwood and EdCC, Dr. King spoke to a sold out audience at the Lynnwood Convention Center. There we learned about his committment to his carry on his father’s work in civil rights and his work at the King Center for Non-violent Change.

Most of Dr. Kings speech at the center dealt with The Seven Principles of Non-violent Activism and the Six Steps Of Conflict Resolution. Even though progress has been made in the struggle for civil rights for the disspossessed there remains more work to be done. Dr. King believes that racism can still be overcome by non-violent means.

After listening to Dr. Kings speech which lasted for about an hour I decided that marches, sit-ins, and boycotts were very effective in the past, but in this present age of terror alerts and civil liberty disenfranchising, we must find ways to be more aggressive in our non-violent protest.

Thank you for reading and commenting.

Until next time,

Martell

Yesterday Martin Luther King III visited with students from Edmonds Community College and Central Washington University before his speech about continuing his father’s mission to work for equality and justice for all at the Lynnwood Convention Center.

Joshua Fredenburg’s voice boomed out over the speakers today. Over 50 students and faculty came out to hear his voice and we heard the message loud and clear. His energy and enthusiasm touched the crowd and made them talk to each other and themselves. Throughout the lecture, he had people interacting and out of their seats. He stressed that words are powerful and you have to talk yourself out of the negative messages that have been programmed into us. Fredenburg gave the example of being told you are ugly over and over again. No matter how beautiful you are, you will begin to believe that you are ugly. Also, he emphasizes 7 principles to think about when you are in bad circumstances.

In your worst situations:

1. You can be lead to great visions
2. You have new opportunities
3. You learn the truth about others, because it is revealed during these times.
4. You build strong relationships, because you connect to the people that went through hard times with you.
5. You strengthen your character by finding out who you are inside and examining yourself
6. You become a champion!
7. You change other people’s lives, because if you get through challenges then you may be helping someone else in the future.

Fredenburg said so much more with feeling and assurance. The words came from his page, but often he deferred to his heart. His parting words were “Never give up on your dreams” and “Always aspire to be great. Remember that it is a process.”

I took from this lecture WORDS. Words can harm, but they can also be empowering. Can we change our words? Would this change the way we communicate? Would this help us connect more with ourselves and with each other? I believe it can. I believe that words can change us and empower us. I already talk to myself (jokes), but I am going to start saying kinder words to myself. Joshua, if you are out there, “I AM GREAT!”

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“GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS IN BAD SITUATIONS”
January 18, 2006 • 12:30-1:30 PM
Triton Union 202

JOSHUA FREDENBURG is a visionary leader who believes in developing effective 21st Century leaders who will make positive changes in their communities, nations, and world. At age 25, he has already shared this inspiring message with over 1.2 million people. “I have a desire to set an example for my generation-by building a positive image so we can take this country where it needs to be,” stated Fredenburg. Energetic and passionate, he presents a clear leadership vision and path to all audiences, motivating them into action. Majoring in communications, he is a 2001 Long Beach State University graduate with a speaking career that started before his college career ended. While still in college he became one of the most listened-to campus personalities with a show called “College Beat.” He produces and hosts a public access television show entitled “The Student Forum.” Fredenburg is President of Vision XY, a company he created, and author of a new book, “Vision: The Answer to Generation X and Y.” Free.

The Brown Bag Lecture series, sponsored by the Office of Student Life, brings thought-provoking and inspirational speakers to campus. A committee of students, faculty, and staff select influential scholars, artists, activists, and community leaders with promise for sparking discussion and reflection in our community.

All lectures are open to the public and selected lectures are broadcast on the local college television station channel 21/26. The broadcast schedule is available at http://civic.edcc.edu. Archived copies are available in the library at least a week after the event. You can search for previous lectures in the library catalog by using “Brown Bag” as a keyword search.

The views and opinions expressed in this series do not necessarily represent the opinions of Edmonds Community College, its administration, faculty, staff, or students or the Office of Student Life.