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Bob Lewis's avatar

Great article.

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Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

What history you experienced! These are sickening times, but please don't hesitate to write something just because it might not matter to some. The beauty of writing is, I think, that it may just matter to the rest. Or at the very least make them consider something different. ~J

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Gary Gruber's avatar

Thank you, Janice. I try to listen to my inner conscience and sometimes I do just what you said. I put it out there for those who might see something of value and be moved enough to consider taking action. Consider is the first step as there are many good choices waiting.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

How absolutely incredible, Gary!!

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Gary Gruber's avatar

A life changing experience.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

I imagine!

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

This is so powerful, Gary. Thank you for sharing your story and history with MLK.

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Chris Stanton's avatar

An amazing and inspirational essay, Gary.

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Gary Gruber's avatar

Thanks, Chris. One of many life-changing experiences, this near the top. I could probably write about a few others now that you have me thinking about that topic.

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Susanna Namuli's avatar

There is a consistency in the values that you have upheld. I think this is admirable.

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Gary Gruber's avatar

Thanks, Susanna. Still trying to uphold those values and practices in the face of some nasty opposing forces. Long life learning is what it is.

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Peter Tremain's avatar

I lived through those years and remember them all too well. The assassinations sucked the life out of hope for a time. I was not an activist but neither was I indifferent. I remember the joy I felt that the election of Barack Obama sparked and along with it the return of hope. It is all the more painful to be in these time when ugliness is being normalized and hope is hard to come by.

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Gary Gruber's avatar

The flame of hope may flicker but it still burns in the dark and lights the way forward.

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Katharine Hill's avatar

So glad we connected this morning. Now I have to read more of your posts.

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Gary Gruber's avatar

Thanks, Katherine. Any feedback appreciated.

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Gary Gruber's avatar

Thanks for finding this Karen. Here is a printed version of King's recorded speech that evening and I still regard it as one of his best, unfortunately, one of his last:

http://www.gphistorical.org/mlk/mlkspeech/index.htm

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Karen Kenworthy's avatar

You have an amazing life😍 Would you re-post the link to the speech, it doesn’t seem to work when I click on it. Thank you for all you’ve done and do 🙏🏻

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Gary Gruber's avatar

Thank you. Sorry the link didn’t work. Do a search g for MLK speech at Grosse Pointe High School, March, 1968. If that doesn’t work let me know. I can find a link that works but on the road just now

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Karen Kenworthy's avatar

Thanks, Gary, I found a video about it, so wonderful!

https://youtu.be/XYm_tLSxYDc?si=Da77IPDFQNoQZ0Ef

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Katharine Hill's avatar

Thank you, Karen, for adding to this dialogue. A great visual.

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Richard Donnelly's avatar

"groups were present including the FBI" What the FBI did to MLK is beyond reprehensible. Liberals once were the FBI's biggest critics. Now they love them. Very depressing

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Karen Kenworthy's avatar

Oh I love this so much. Wonderful post that really resonates for me. grew up in the ‘50s and ‘60s, in a Unitarian church where our wonderful minister, A. Powell Davies, said “I refuse to eat in any restaurant that will not serve my black brother.” Did you ever know or hear of an activist, Joe Madison, who worked for justice, including in Sudan… he became the heroic figure I followed to any protest, any civil action. He died recently, but his legacy will always live on. Leaders for justice and civil rights are still needed.

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Emmanuel Alagbe's avatar

Great story, Gary. Thanks for sharing.

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Cherie Lee's avatar

How fortunate you were to have met these inspirational people. Important story, Gary, and important words for these times! Thank you!

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