Martin Luther King day observed

Rabbi Shanna Potter-Jaffee, an American Civil Rights Activist has urged Americans to honour the legacy of Martin Rev Luther King Junior by sharing the hope for humanity and to shun what divided them.

Americans should look out for what connected them to bring out the beauty of humanity for a brighter future, she noted when she addressed a massive crowd who defied the bitter cold and snowy morning, to participate in a solemn and peaceful march through the principal streets of Cincinnati as part of activities to commemorate the Martin Luther King Day.

The Day is observed annually on the third Monday in January in remembrance of what Rev King Junior who was a Black American social activist stood for, his faith in God, beliefs in human dignity, ideals for equal justice and love for humanity.

The participants, mostly Black Americans, displayed placards imprinted “Honor King- end racism” later converged at the Cincinnati Fountain Square where their leaders took turns to address them and also prayed for God’s interventions to end racism.

Potter-Jaffee said almost 50 years after his assassination, Rev King’s ideals of advocating for equal rights and justice for all people still lived on, adding, “the dream he shared never dies”.

The Day was observed amidst growing tensions of President Donald Trump’s pronouncements about immigrants mainly from Haiti and Africa “coming from shithole countries”

However, addressing the people, the activists refused to touch on his comments with the reason that they would not mar the memories of such great man (Rev King).

The Activists spoke against evils of discrimination, religious bigotry and social excesses and vowed that they “will stand until racism ends”.

Earlier in an interview with some of the participants, Mr. Jeff Harris, a retired fire fighter, described Rev. King as a man after God’s own heart that worked tirelessly to turn his generation towards a righteous path and encouraged the current generation to value the ideals of Rev King.

A school teacher, Shanna Harris shared similar thoughts and called for an end to enmity among humanity to forge unity and draw strength for the love of all.

Mr. Jonathan Cory, a Public Servant touted the ideals of Rev King and urged all Black Americans to eschew hatred for one another and allow the system that sought to divide them to rather unite them for a better course.

The ceremony was also attended by a group of selected journalists from six countries including Ghana, United Kingdom and Brazil on a tour of the US which was facilitated by the Centre for International Journalists with funding from the United States Home Embassies.

Rev. King Jnr, a Baptist Minister played a significant role in the American Civil Rights Movement. He championed the cause of equal rights and justice and fiercely fought against discrimination and injustices in society in the 1950s until his assassination.