Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” He also said: “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
The latter quote came in a speech just two months prior to his tragic murder on a motel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee. His life was the embodiment of the principal motto of Rotary, which is “Service Above Self.” I typically write about Dr. King around this time and feel compelled to do so again as his birthday approaches on January 15th. The goal is that this will serve as a reminder of what I believe this man who put his faith into action embraced throughout his life.
We live in a world governed by unbridled selfishness, greed, and lust for power that is simply staggering. Civility has become an anachronism in both private and public sectors. Can’t we adhere to the admonishment in Matthew 22:39 that says: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself?” Perhaps this is the year we try to truly live that command. Lord knows we need to more than ever as 2025 ushers in a chapter of unprecedented uncertainty. Living a focus of service above self would be a great way to honor the memory of Dr. King, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his love of all mankind.
It is also worth mentioning that next month is Black History Month. Black history is American history. The contributions of Black people to the story of this country are immeasurable. This includes literally building Washington D.C., as well as our national economy, as forced and enslaved labor. Many citizens may not be aware of many of these contributions due in part to some of these annals of American history not being taught in our schools. It is unfortunate that this omission is not by accident. If you are indeed a student of history, try to learn more about the important role of Black people and other folks of color in the American story.
One place to raise your history IQ is to study the work of a true American hero, Dr. King. However, please do not rush to join the chorus of hypocrites who love to quote him around his birthday and use out of context selective snippets from the iconic I Have a Dream speech to push some ideological agenda. I use the word hypocrite intentionally, given many will utter words from the speech but then turn around and support public policy that is both discriminatory and the antithesis of the message and the man. That speech was a call for freedom, equality, and respect for our fellow human beings. These ingredients are crucial to moving us toward a “more perfect union.” It is a quest that is still a work in progress, and we must answer the assault on those precepts with equal fervor.
For a peek into history, and into the mind and mission of this man of God, read the Letter from Birmingham Jail. This eloquent missive is regarded by some as a revelation and a chronicle of the struggle of African Americans then and now, as protagonists in the American story. Dr. King’s prophetic words ring just as loudly today. It may well be one of the best examples of what he stood for, his skill as a writer, and why he is indeed an esteemed American hero. Follow this link to experience riveting historical prose from a King.
He and I also share something in common besides being juniors, and a passion for fighting injustice. We are members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I mention this not just as a shout-out to my good brothers everywhere, but rather, I am still awed by the experience of being present for the dedication of the MLK Memorial in Washington DC.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission remains deeply committed to a corporate and community culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, leading to true equal opportunity for all. We work collectively with our stakeholders to protect and promote diverse people, places, and experiences that help tell all of America’s stories equitably and inclusively.
We define diversity as the meaningful participation of myriad groups in cultural and economic development driven by our efforts, including but not limited to race, age, religious beliefs, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical/mental ability, ethnicity, perspective, socioeconomic status and geography.
We define equity as the development of policies and practices that help all communities gain access to the resources, opportunities, and networks required to reach their maximum potential.
We define inclusion as the authentic engagement of diverse groups in real personal and professional development, leading to an enhanced sense of belonging.
When added together, we believe that D + E + I = O. Opportunity. I believe that this basic human equation is a central message of Dr. King’s journey while on this earth. In today’s world, it is more relevant than ever, as we see far too many in authority seeking to actively undermine those principles daily. What are you going to tell your children and grandchildren that you did to personally combat such madness and help ensure that the phrase in our Pledge of Allegiance – “liberty and justice for all” is not just an empty promise?
Eating less, working out more, spending less, etc., are all noble resolutions. I believe that service above self is tougher to practice than all those things, but well worth the effort. Don’t we owe it to ourselves and our kids to do what is necessary to leave them a better more selfless world?
Your move my friends,
LP
Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement