The Time is Now! Dr Martin Luther King Jnr Dr Angela Christopher MBE

Transcription

1 The Time is Now! Dr Martin Luther King Jnr Dr Angela Christopher MBE

2 Pending Publication - Springer Angela has been commissioned by Springer to write an academic book on Martin Luther King and Education. The book focuses on segregation and its impact on education. The following slides reflect on key milestones in his life despite the ills of discrimination and the importance that education and faith played in his life. The book is entitled The Time is Now Author name: Dr Angela Herbert MBE

3 Dr Martin Luther King s Dream In 1968 almost 50 years ago, Dr Martin Luther King Jnr. was assassinated Riots broke out in 100 cities across America King is still remembered and his quotes continue to inspire What relevance does his fight for justice, and the cause that he lived and died for have for the UK in 2015? The same issues continue to persist..the Time for Change is Now!

4 A Brief Timeline Graduates high school at age 15, enters Morehouse College shortly after Receives BA in sociology from Morehouse College at age 19 Receives degree from Crozer Theological Seminary, enrols in Boston University Ph.D. programme at age 23 Becomes minister of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama at age 26 Receives Ph.D. in systematic theology from Boston University age 26. Visits India to study nonviolence and civil disobedience Congress passes Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing segregation in public accommodations and discrimination in education and employment In 1964 King receives Nobel Peace Prize at age 35

5 An inspired curriculum Teach one to think intensively and critically; intelligence and character is the goal of true education

6 His dream our reality Practitioners must assist in the development of characteristics reflected by King: Self-identity Family oriented Community - status Faith and belief Equality and acceptance Justice and farness Freedom and opportunity Resilience and strength Education and knowledge Commitment and dedication Selfless, caring for others Non-violent protest Use resources and plan opportunities for individuals to develop character for life. We can enable customers in custody or the community to reroute their lives give real information don t set them up for failure!

7 To Integrate or Segregate? Integrated education provision Versus Segregated schools/prison education Civil rights promoted integration of Black and White children in school In mixed schools there was more access to resources The best teaching staff with excellent pay and conditions Integration within the school could lead to segregation within the classroom Schools were in the best neighbourhoods and gave aspiration and hope MLK s early education experiences were in all black, faith based schools university was mixed Most segregated black schools had little resource, cramped conditions Poor pay, threats to white teachers, newly qualified, inexperienced. Teaching is truly a vocation Despite the poor facilities and conditions, students were committed to learn Schools were in poor areas that endorsed limitation on social movement

8 Lessons from a King What can we as professionals do? Life s most persistent and urgent question is, what can you do for others Be committed, network and give our clients the best possible opportunities to change their lives Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter We need to challenge inequality. Our silence speaks in support of the negative. Speak out! Martin Luther King Jnr

9 I have a dream Now is the Time for Change Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

10 Contact details: Dr Angela Christopher MBE