At this time every year, we remember what times were like prior to the passing of the Fifteenth Constitutional Amendment in 1869 that gave Blacks the right to vote and the Civil Rights Movement between 1954 and 1968 that gave them real equality in this country. They opened the doors for all of us from different races and nationalities, giving us the true freedom we so enjoy.
Those of us who lived through it cannot refer to them as “the good old days” because they were an embarrassment to this country’s history.
As the years passed, we had the opportunity to learn about Martin Luther King’s life and sacrifices allowing us to recognize and appreciate more Dr. King’s actions and courage.
He was arrested a multitude of times during protests supporting causes against abuse and unfairness. Although violence always followed his demonstrations, he always led the public in a peaceful mode.
Martin Luther King died assassinated in 1968 and we have not seen leaders of his caliber since.
On Sunday, January 17 and Monday, January 18, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas will be celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at events in Haverhill, Andover and Lowell.
Rep. Tsongas will give remarks at the UU Church of Haverhill on Sunday at the 30th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast hosted jointly by the Calvary Baptist Church and the UU Church of Haverhill, and on Monday at the Merrimack Valley NAACP Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast in Andover and the annual Lura Smith Fund /Middlesex Community College Foundation annual celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Lowell.
