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St. Cloud State University
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King shares father's vision
By Drew Sandholm
Published:
Thursday, February 6, 2003
Media Credit: Ryan Henry
Martin Luther King III addressed a packed Atwood Ballroom Tuesday evening. King spoke on several subjects including the pending war with Iraq, the slumping economy and policies of President George W. Bush. King�s message was of peace among feuding countries and progressive race relations in the United States.
Civil rights leader and humanitarian Martin Luther King III lit up the Atwood Memorial Center Ballroom Tuesday night where students and members of the community gathered to hear him speak.
King addressed his presentation, "The Dream Deferred," to an audience of over 700.
Upon entering the spacious ballroom, King was greeted with a warm reception including a standing ovation.
"I thank God for helping me to make this huge drive safely," King said. "I know you came from a shorter distance than me, but I came from a warmer place than you."
King began his speech with a few humorous observations about the bitter Minnesota winter.
He continued on a more serious note, honoring the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone.
King described Wellstone as a man who really understood his father's dream, and applied what his father preached.
Wellstone was a rare politician, King said, unlike any of the past, nor of the present.
The audience responded to his tribute to Wellstone with robust applause.
According to King, today America doesn't understand his father's dream. Applications of the humanitarian's work in present form are too far and few between, he said.
King also called for other resolutions to the conflict in Iraq.
"I believe morally, war is wrong," King said. "God created imbalances in the world."
Just as his father dedicated his life's work to opposing racism in America, King continues the legacy by trying to stomp out violence.
King spoke about inconsistencies in governmental policies that prove the nation to have double standards. He disagreed with the way the U.S. is treating Iraq with violence, but North Korea with diplomacy. Whether these procedures are right or wrong, King said, the government should discontinue it's wishy-washy ways.
Despite King's disagreement with many of the national government's policies and procedures, he is able to see the positive aspects of these policies and procedures as well.
King concluded his presentation with a story about a young man who attempted to rid his nation of racism and intolerance.
Unsuccessful, he tried to end racism and intolerance at the state level. Then he tried to cure his city, community and even his family of racism and intolerance, but again failed. Finally, the young man tried to rid himself of racism and intolerance and at last made progress.
"The Dream Deferred," which lasted over 30 minutes, was followed by a question and answer session. Many audience members took advantage of this opportunity. King took the questions he was asked and connected them to his father's experience and work.
Presented by the University Program Board (UPB), King's arrival was highly anticipated. This was the first heavyweight speaker of the year for SCSU. Overall, the dozens of volunteers who helped with the event, and UPB members, were satisfied.
"I think it was a great success," said Amanda Hallfrisch, third year student and national events coordinator. "It was a very moving, emotional, touching speech."
As evidenced in the many standing ovations during the course of the speech, the majority of the audience seemed to enjoy the evening. King covered a wide variety of topics and in doing so, touched a wide variety of people.
"I think it went very well," said SCSU President Roy Saigo. "It was most interesting because I thought he would have used more historical information, but he used current information and tied it back to his father's speeches."
Even though many students considered the evening a success, others said the true success of the evening cannot be measured in mere attendance or applause.
"To hear the speech is good," said Anthony McCoo, junior and criminal justice major. "But for this evening to be a success, the things talked about have to be implemented into society and school."
