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January 24, 2002


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Charles V. Willie
Charles V. Willie (above) remembers an old friend during a special service at the Memorial Church. (Staff photos by Justin Ide)

HARVARD GAZETTE ARCHIVES

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. honored

Remarks of Charles V. Willie
Charles William Eliot Professor of Education Emeritus
On the occasion of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 21, 2002
The Memorial Church

It is an ancient custom, as ancient as the Roman Empire, to idolize those whom we honor, to make them larger than life, to give their marvelous accomplishments a magical and mystical origin. By exalting the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. into a legendary tale that is annually told, we fail to recognize his humanity - his personal and public struggles - that are similar to yours and mine. By idolizing those whom we honor, we fail to realize that we could go and do likewise. As I have said on many occasions, honoring Martin Luther King Jr. would be dishonorable if we remember the man and forget his mission. For those among us who believe in him, his work now must become our own.

Kuumba Singers
The Kuumba Singers provided the music during the service celebrating the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 21.
Kuumba Singers









Copyright 2002 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College