04 Apr 2018

Remembering the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Remembering the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gracious God, may we share in the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr., that all races might live together in peace, and grant us the courage to manifest that dream in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
 
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the death of civil rights leader, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was gunned down by an assassin’s bullet on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. As the nation and world reflect on that tragic day, the Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) family is encouraged to continue to honor Dr. King’s legacy through a commitment of service to all.
 
Historically, SAU has been in the forefront of the civil rights movement, fighting for social and economic justice for all.
 
In honor of Dr. King and all who gave their lives during the civil rights movement, we must challenge ourselves to follow the core principles of citizenship and service by realizing that strong communities are built to by those who are committed to helping “the least of these” (Matthew 25: 34-40).
 
Dr. King said it best when he said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence, plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
 
 
Statement from the University Chaplain, Rev. Nita Byrd: 
 
“Today the Episcopal Church commemorates the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Following his final sermon in Washington National Cathedral on March 31, 1968, Dr. King traveled to Memphis to support the sanitation workers strike where he was assassinated.  He passionately preached the Gospel of justice and love for humanity, and often stated that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”  
 
Join us for a Bible Study tonight where we will examine the Biblical call to love one another and seek justice in our world.  We meet on Wednesday at 6 pm in Hunter 207 as we continue to learn from his example and strive to implement these principles.