We must live together as brothers and sisters.....
Posted by toni-s on:
Today Santa Barbara celebrated the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite the literally drenching rain, a good-sized group gathered for the "Pre-March Rally" at De la Guerra Plaza, and listened to songs, a prayer and the Santa Barbara Ring Shout Project. There were music, umbrellas and old time music. At ten, over two-hundred people gathered and marched up State Street, escorted graciously by the Santa Barbara Police department. They sang 'We Shall Overcome', 'This Little Light of Mine" with the beautifully blended voices of black, brown and white folk, Jewish, Christian, people of peace and good-will marching to commemorate the marches of the 1960's with Dr. King.
The program at the Arlington highlighted the words and ideals of Dr. King, and was expressed by way of music, dance, prose and poetry from the winners of the young people's essay contests. Rep. Lois Capps and Salud Carbajal presented the MLK Jr. Committee with honorary declarations, Mayor Helene Schneider made brief remarks to the large crowd in the audience. There were stirring speeches and moving performances by children from several local schools including Cesar Chavez School, a Marymount choir and The Inner Light Community Gospel Choir.
Afterwards, as the sun finally came out, people gathered at the First United Methodist church for a free lunch of soup, bread and fellowship. It was a memorable day to celebrate the man who was determined, gifted, who desired peace and justice for all people.
And as he famously and truly said, "We must live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools."
