We are celebrating the 30th year of the Martin Luther King holiday. His legacy of advocating for civil and human rights for the oppressed, and every race, still lives on in what appropriately is a Day of Service. Thousands of individuals spending the day giving to those who are in need and less fortunate, is a testimony to the journey of promoting equity as we serve one another in humility and compassion.
It is a unique occurrence that we also have the Presidential Inauguration on this same day. It is glaringly apparent that there are some rather significant changes on the horizon for our country. There is probably more divisiveness than we have witnessed in quite some time and sometimes I wonder how far we have come in our attempts to become a more diverse and equitable nation.
The oldest son of Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Luther King III, was recently reflecting on our current situation and remarked that regardless of what happens in elections, “we’re still going to be needing to turn to each other and not to be turning against each other. And so we do that through the many ways of service.”
Bill Clinton was the last President to be sworn in on Martin Luther King Day. In his inaugural speech he referred to King’s words as words “that moved the conscience of a nation.” He further said, “Like a prophet of old, he told of his dream that one day America would rise up and treat all its citizens as equals before the law and in the heart.”
As we enter a new political administration it is my hope that we will continue to keep the constitutional mandate of America to treat all of our citizens with respect, equity and compassion. The posture of serving one another is a healthy way to honor our fellow citizens.
As Lakeside supports those who have struggled and do not feel like they have the same opportunities that many have, it is a significant part of our mission to re-establish equity in their lives with equal opportunity to grow, succeed and have a productive life regardless of their background, race, socio-economic situation or behavior. We see the potential of what positive changes can happen if we apply those values to their lives and offer those opportunities. This is what we should be doing as a nation so that we can realize the potentials that we all have to be contributors, those who serve our community, our country and our world.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
