In the Spirit of “Beloved Community”

by

Rev. Ben Meyers

Consistent with long tradition (this is our 28th year), the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo (UUSM) will host a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream. We do so in concert with our neighbors in North Central San Mateo and invite you to visit us on Saturday, January 14 from 3 pm – 5pm after the annual essay, poetry and art contest awards at the King Community Center, 330 W. 20th Avenue. We are located at 300 E. Santa Inez Avenue, San Mateo, CA 650 342-5946 Join us for a buffet, music and activities for all ages. Together the community of North Central San Mateo will play his dream forward.

“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King’s dream, shared with the world in one of its most widely known and revered speeches, gives meaning to our celebrations and our efforts to honor Dr. King and keep his memory and ideals alive. The human community still struggles for equity and respect for everyone. We still struggle for peace in the rough and crooked places. We still struggle to heal and to make his dream – one that so many of us share – a reality.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) was a Baptist minister and social activist whose role was pivotal in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s through his death in 1968. Through nonviolent civil disobedience, Dr. King promoted equity for African-Americans and for all who were marginalized and victimized.

The photograph of Dr. King is in the public domain.