Page 16 The Public Record • Januray 14, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com
Our Opinion ... What Would King Do Now? Each year, on the third Monday of the first month, we continue to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., arguaby the most influential civil-rights leader of the 20th century. What he accomplished in his too-short lifetime was integral for the movement in which many people fought so rigorously to bring to the forefront of society. And the changes that came about as a result of their courageous battle are evident today. After all, who would have thought way back in 1964, when Dr. King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, that one day within the next 45 years, we would elect an African American to the most prominent office in our mighty nation? Much progress has been made in the fight to end racial segregation and discrimination since his time. Moving forward, it seems as if much of Dr. King’s work has been accomplished. Clearly, the results are imperfect and we still have not eliminated all abuses against underprivileged and minority citizens. But the civil-rights movement of the 1960s has progressed to a point where some challenges have been overcome and less work is needed than before. Numerous other social issues have yet to be addressed, to which we must devote our attention today. The questions remain: What does our generation want to be our legacy? And how should we define our accomplishments as a people? The civl-rights leaders of yesteryear are slowly dwindling away with time. It is now time to take up a new battle in the war for social change. It is now time for each citizen of today’s United States of America to become “your own King.” The myriad community-service projects that are offered throughout Philadelphia as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service provide a tremendous way to promote the idea of doing good for one another. It is also a great way to honor the feats and sacrifices of the men like Dr. King who came before us. Pewrhaps, in your act of service, you will discover a new issue that matters to you and to all of us. Where is our society lacking today? Which cause is worth struggling for? You, the King of tomorrow, must decide for yourself.
Jan. 15- Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.’s Recession Buster fundraiser at Park Avenue, 4942 Parkside Ave., 7 p.m.12 a.m. Food and music. Tickets $20. Jan. 16- State Rep. Ronald G. Waters hosts annual Community Service Awards Gala and Banquet. 5 p.m. at Renaissance Phila. Hotel Airport, 500 Stevens Dr. Jan. 18- Senior & Youth Inter-Generational Expo at Scottish Rite Towers, 1525 & 1530 Fitzwater St. Jan. 18- Phila. Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management offers free Personal & Family Emergency Preparedness Workship at 9:15 a.m. and Pet Emergency Preparedness Workshop at 10:45 a.m. during MLK Day of Service at Armory of Girard College, Girard Ave. &
Corinthian St. To register email oem@phila.gov or call (215) 683-3250. Jan. 18- American Legion Henry Hill #385 hosts MLK Day of Service at Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church, 1226 Point Breeze Ave., 9:30 a.m. Honoring community leaders. Jan. 18- National Constitution Ctr. celebrates life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Music, drama, crafts and quilting service project for Women Against Abuse. First 1,000 visitors receive free admission to the National Constitution Center, compliments of Merck. Jan. 18- Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania sponsors African American Museum in Philadelphia’s commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Free admission as well as special events, including Citizens Bank Scavenger Hunt for Heritage, aimed at helping children learn about Museum and African American history. 701 Arch St. 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 18- 14th Annual Playing For The King at New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 70th & Woodland Aves., 2-5 p.m. Jan. 18- Jonathan Saidel hosts Remember The Dream fish & chicken fry at Genesis Tavern, 4421 Wayne Ave., 2-6 p.m. Tix $12. For info Andrew Davis (215) 805-4691. Jan 18- “Friends of Karen Brown” host dinner at Malone’s Café, 18th & Ritner Sts., 6:30-10 p.m. For info Gene Van Arsdale (215) 6882917. Jan. 21- Symbolic Ringing of Liberty Bell, sponsored by Phila. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ass’n for Nonviolence Inc. at Liberty Bell Pavilion, 5th & Market Sts., 11 a.m.12 p.m. Jan. 21- State Rep. Cherelle Parker with 9th Ward Leaders John O’Connell and Kenneth Powell, Jr. will host 9th Ward town-hall meeting at Jenks MS, 8301 Germantown Ave., 7-9 p.m. For info (215) 2427300. Jan. 22- Council President
Anna C. Verna and State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson host special Energy Workshop at Preparatory Charter School of Math, Science, Technology & Careers, 1928 Point Breeze Ave., 2 p.m. Jan. 23- Campaign kickoff for State Rep candidate Will Mega at Club Damani, 638 N. 66th St. Cocktails and announcement 8-10 p.m. AfterParty 10 p.m.-12 a.m. Feb. 1- Tom Johnson hosts Brady Bunch Winter “Ski” Party at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 69 p.m. Feb. 4- Maurine McFarlane, author of “Release the Prophetic Destiny in
Philadelphia, a City Under Reconstruction,” signs book signs at Penn Book Store, 3601 Walnut St., 5-7 p.m., in celebration of Black History Month. For info (215) 8985965. Feb. 10- Germantown Republican Club hosts Attorney General Tom Corbett as guest of honor at 121st annual dinner at Union League, 6 p.m. Tickets $65. For info Jack Morley (215) 389-1768. Feb. 20- Annual National Italian American-PAC Carnevale at Loews Phila. Hotel, 1200 Market St., 6 p.m.-12 a.m. Honorees Sal Patti, Anthony Cagano, Lorraine Ranalli and Donna M.
Fluehr. Feb. 26- 44th Ward Democrats’ Evening of Jazz at Cousin Danny’s Banquet Hall, 50th & Market Sts., 610. Tickets $150. For info (215) 429-4819. Mar. 4- 1st Annual, 82nd Airborne All American Dinner and Award Ceremony, location TBA, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. David H. Oh, Esq., Chairman, Hajdak-Mokan Chapter, 82nd Airborne Ass’n. For info (215) 5692800, ext. 1157. Apr. 17- Ducky Birts’ Medallion Awards Banquet at 1st Dist. Plaza, 3801 Market St., 6:30 p.m. Tickets $65 each, two for $100.