Happy Birthday Dr. King-Global Day of Action Against Poverty Revisited

Image Source-Poor People's March on Washington-1967

The curse of poverty has no justification in our age. It is socially as cruel and blind as the practice of cannibalism at the dawn of civilization, when men ate each other because they had not yet learned to take food from the soil or to consume the abundant animal life around them. The time has come for us to civilize ourselves by the total, direct and immediate abolition of poverty."

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today marks the official celebration of the National Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. holiday. I went through some of my old blogs and found the above quote. It could not be more compelling,especially in light of the "Global Day of Action Against Poverty" celebrated a few months ago and the recent efforts by those in the White House,the Senate and the House of Representatives to come up with an economic stimulus package to ease the financial down swing many Americans are currently experiencing. Families are losing their homes and jobs are being outsource by corporations to foreign countries.Communities and individuals are in deep economic distress,while billions are spent on a mounting war.Some think we are on the brink of a recession.

The US is surprisingly in debt to China and other countries to the tune of millions. I know it's hard to believe. I was completely baffled when I first heard the announcement a few days ago.

There are many US citizens who feel that they have been thrown away and hung out to dry by the Washington Bureaucracy's current lack of concern for the poor and needy and its demonstrated favor towards the rich. It has been brought to light by the current unemployment rates,the status of health care and the failure to provide needed government assistance to those in disaster torn areas such as the residents of New Orleans and the broader Gulf Coast.

The struggle for economic justice rages on in this country.If Dr. King were alive to witness the state of financial affairs today,I believe he would be happy on the one hand,since inroads have been made into the wealthy social strata by a significant,but arguably insubstantial percentage of the historically underprivileged.However,I feel he would be more dismayed that there has been no remarkable narrowing of the divide between the poor and rich. In fact,some believe it has gotten wider with the systematic erosion of the middle class brought about by brutal economic policies of the current administration.


It was reported that the congress,Democrats and Republicans are scurrying around Washington,"hopping like bunnies",if they have to in an effort to push through some kind of workable plan to get the US on its feet.One journalist reported that it appeared almost like a"love fest",with members of each party making sincere efforts to work together.

On that note,I'd like to dedicate a blog containing a poem I wrote entitled "Love is the Currency".There is little doubt in my mind that we need love now more than ever to feed the hungry,house the homeless,care for the sick properly and to end the political partisan stagnation that creates the lack too many in our society currently face.

Yes. I say,continue to work together,Democrats and Republicans. If you're an independent,come with some ideas and answers as well. And,if you aren't missing any meals and live in the lap of luxury everyday,have some love and compassion for those who don't have much. Don't be stingy,fearful,haughty to share your resources,paying lip service only to the whole notion of "the pursuit of happiness" and the financial resources it requires to do the journey justice. Make your vote and influence count. Make poverty history.

Enjoy some music also and dedicate an uplifting song from one of the related playlists below to friend or,maybe even one of your congressional representatives.No. Itks not too "over the top".Go for it.And,remember,love is the currency.Please let it flow...

Happy Birthday,Dr. King.

Peace,

Cynthia

Related Blogs and Articles:

Protest Songs Sing Up!

Global Day of Action Against Poverty




Listening To:

Waiting On the World to Change

Protest Songs A La Social Observation

http://cynthiadwilson.blogspot.com/2007/06/airlift-ii-love-soother-mix.html#main

The Times They Are A Changin'-Happy Birthday Dr. King--the Fight Continues On A Higher Level...

Photo Source
Senators Barack Obama(Ill.),Hillary Clinton(NY) and former
Senator John Edwards(S.C)- Las Vegas,Nevada Debates,Tuesday,Jan.15,2008



In light of what may now be viewed by many as a mounting, and at the very least, dead heat battle between Democratic presidential candidates Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois in a contest for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination,( more...) and this is Dr. King's birthday,I thought I'd share some reflections.

Of course, there are other candidates including former Senator John Edwards of South Carolina,also running in the Democratic race. On the Republican side we have several ,including but not limited to, Senators John McCain of Arizona, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney of Michigan and Mike Huckabee,past governor of Arkansas.

I thought I'd lift this blog which I wrote last year on www.heavieroctaves.com in celebration of the King holiday(scroll down). Why not celebrate with reflections on the dream this entire week leading up to the official federal celebration on Monday,January 21,2008?

I believe its safe to say that Dr. King would be proud concerning advances we have made in the struggle for human rights and racial equality, while on the other hand dismayed by some of the setbacks we have experienced. Poverty still exists and wars rage on.Even in light of these harsh realities and despite the customary fray and political jockeying for front-runner status which besets presidential races, across the party lines,this year's campaign has the promise to be one of the most exciting in the history of this country.

Yes.An African American man and a woman are both running in the same race at the same time in history as viable candidates.A dream come true for many African Americans, and also, for women who have never before had a real concrete shot at putting one of their own in the White House.

Amid the heated debates,the sometimes biting remarks, mud-slinging and the very subtle or blatant efforts at racial polarization from various factions of Republican, Democratic and independent voters or non-voting members of the general population,there is hope and we must keep it alive.Let's "keep hope alive", as Rev.Jesse Jackson does or have the "Audacity of Hope"like Senator Obama.

Let's also pray for peace while remembering Dr.King's dream constructively,as it appears in the process of materializing into sound reality, whether the next President of the United States is an African American male or a white female. Either result would be a first for this country. And, a move in a progressive direction for this country.I think based on the impressive level of skill and qualification each candidate brings to the table,that would be progress no matter your spin.

If Obama wins the nomination and goes on to victory in the national elections,Dr. King's dream that a person be judged not by the color of their skin,but by the content of their character will have become a reality in the presidential election process.And,he would be proud that many who would have without question been hosed down,lynched or jailed decades ago for exercising that right, now are having the opportunity to register, making their vote count, while in the process affirming the potency of the Voting Rights Act. The fact that an African American man is electable and that those previously disenfranchised may now be casting a deciding ballots has got to be motivating.One thing for sure,it is a measure of this country's greatness.

Harnessing the tremendous enthusiasm generated by Obama's candidacy and grass roots organizing wizardry may be the key to future political progress and bipartisan problem solving in this country. It certainly has the clout and momentum to set the tone of this year's race and the direction of Presidential races yet to come.It's wide open.

That is very exciting indeed.Keep the dream alive.

Happy Birthday,

Cynthia
________________________

First Published-January 15,2007

This blog post is in honor of today's holiday and committed to the memory of one of the greatest moral leaders of our time."I Have A Dream" is our Profile "speech" of the Week. Happy birthday Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. May your spirit,dream and legacy continue to live on through future generations. To those tuning in,listen carefully to the words of his most famous speech, "I Have A Dream",considered to be one of the greatest speeches in history, posted below. If you were alive then,or were fortunate enough to attend the speech delivered from the Lincoln Memorial,with a crowd so enormous it spanned the National Mall reaching outwards beyond the Washington Monument,then you know that progress has been made in our society since the days of the "March On Washington". However,some current leaders legitimately question that progress.

If you were not yet born,then go to the nearest public library,or retail bookstore,read a book on the subject or google further and learn something additional about Dr.King and the struggles to make this holiday a reality. It took a very extensive effort,including a hard fought legislative battle by many to legalize it. In fact, Motown recording artist,Stevie Wonder,played a very prominent role in making the King holiday a reality.His song "Happy Birthday" was dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. and was instrumental in promoting the holiday's concept and contributed to the ultimate success of the bill being passed by Congress. To hear a sample of the song from Wonder's "Hotter Than July" CD click here. How does this writer know? In addition to the googling I did to secure the specifics to share with you,and having not been under a rock for the last twenty-five years,I actually spent a good deal of "real time" during the late 70's and early 80's attending rallies and concerts in support of the effort,and a good friend(law school buddy) was one of Stevie Wonder's principal organizers in the King Holiday legalization campaign.So,I had an inside track,so to speak.

Throughout Dr.King's struggle in the Civil Rights Movement,there were other recording artists who sang Civil Rights' songs and rallied the cause musically,including Bob Dylan,(Blowin' in the Wind","The Times They Are a Changin")Joan Baez,Peter,Paul and Mary ("If I Had A Hammer"),Nina Simone ("Mississippi Goddam") and Pete Seeger,the official listed author of "We Shall Overcome",though it was said to have been derived from a 1903 Gospel song. It became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement and is listed on the 2004 Mojo Magazine Top 100 Protest Songs of all times.

Peace, Cynthia(Revcoolc)

Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007 at 10:17PM by Cynthia | Post a Comment | 1 Reference | Email | Print

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Global Day of Action Against Poverty (Revised 11.3.07)

" Purple Dream Come True" Drawing by Cynthia D. Wilson

Today is the Global Day of Action Against Poverty.In recognition of this sentiment and in an effort to heighten perspective about the ravages of poverty around the globe,which has both spiritual and material consequences,I dedicate a poem which I wrote several years ago. Entitled "Love is the Currency", here is a link to the audio podcast and written introduction which is posted on "Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks-To Go", an abbreviated or take out version of this "Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks and Writes" blog.

As you read it, reflect on money and how this wonderful concept and tool has been and continues to be misused by some. As beautiful a resource money is and can be, it is frequently misused in our world as a tool of oppression and malevolent control.How people will sometimes do any and everything for the "almighty dollar", as the classic O'Jays song "For the Love of Money" goes "... People will lie,they will cheat...People don't care who they hurt or beat" sums up nicely this negative aspect of financial exchange, or stagnation,if you will. (Incidentally, the song was performed beautifully by Alicia Keys at the "Live Earth" concert in July at Giant Stadium.See a related article here. See a video of her coverage of that song which begins a medley of soulful social observation songs on Live Earth MSN video. Alicia also honors Bono,superstar rock musician who led the charge in this mammoth effort for debt relief, as well as the effort to fight AIDS in Africa.See that article here.)

What if the paradigm was shifted and it became "For the Money of Love"... instead. Maybe that tremendous debt that weighs down the progress of several underdeveloped countries across the continent of Africa would not have accumulated in the manner in which it did. There's also a strong possibility that it would now be more readily forgiven.

While my poem is somewhat introspective,I believe it is relevant in that it speaks to the truth of personal as well as global financial woes. Changing the world and offering meaningful solutions to its problems begins at home with each individual. Perhaps acknowledgment of a greater and higher system of currency in relation to resolving the scourge of poverty is the beginning of the path to reconciliation and a step in the right direction.There might actually be some benefit derived from shifting thinking patterns on money matters to the extent that the flow of love starts counting and adding up like never before.

Yes. It is of course a lot more complicated than this. But a shift in how we think about money could very well lead us on the path of progress out of a debt and poverty hole which has trapped many.Let's just say there is a lot of overlap here. As in "Let there be debt relief on earth,in Africa,etc. and let it begin with you."

I can think of so many occasions and so many times that I have witnessed a person or community suffer not because there was a lack of money,but because there was a lack of compassion on the part of persons or institutions having it in abundance. However, access to it was denied due to either bureaucratic or other forms of red tape.

Enjoy your day of Global Action Against Poverty! And,let it begin with you.Take some positive and constructive actions which demonstrate your care and concern for the "Debt Relief" in Africa campaign being led by One.org. In addition, be mindful about other issues of financial abuses and misuses which you observe on a daily basis in your own communities.

And remember, "Love is the currency. Let it flow!"

When and ever love flows as vibrantly as the colors spiraling up the stem of the flower drawing above, my "Purple Dream"(purple in the sense of high in aspirations, lofty,ornate and regal) will have indeed come true.

Peace,

Cynthia

Related Blogs:

www.heavieroctaves.org:Global Day of Action Against Poverty

Bruce and Company

In the wee hours of yesterday morning,I headed out into the streets of Manhattan to meet up with two minister friends to share a morning of rock legend, Bruce Springsteen's, music. He was the special concert guest for the Today show.Below is a photo diary of the morning and a link to a video interview of Annie Rawlings,Social Justice Presbyter for New York City and Pastor Vickie of Ridgewood Presbyterian Church.

The Weekend Inspiration:Virginia Tech Benefit- Mountain High Reflections (Edited 9.12.07),(9.17.07)

...And Anatomy of A "Community Healing"


John Mayer performing before the estimated audience of 50,000


Me seated among the 50,000 or so students and families,making friends and witnessing their enjoyment of the show, while anticipating the next "human wave". BTW,this was also the seating area earmarked for "media"--The Red Zone. I was scanning the crowd intermittently for sightings of others sporting "media" tags to see what they were up to. More on that in a future blog. Hmmm...


Robbie McIntosh(Mayer band member),Leroi Moore (DMB) and John Mayer performing "Gravity" finale


Night view of concert and arena ambiance. The work is almost done...It was a beautiful sight.I was fortunate to have experienced it first hand.

Pre-Concert Interviews,etc...


Me outside Lane Stadium a little after 2:00p.m. waiting to interview students.Boy,was it hot out there. No shade, no water...no tent...(ouch!)



Keith Logan, a senior at Virginia Tech and one of the student volunteers arriving early--about 2:45p.m.-- to help set up concessions for the concert. He was my first interview and worth the wait... Catch his interview here(coming soon).


Another student I interviewed. He wanted to give a big "shout out" to the Dave Matthews Band with a giant thank you note.He expressed to me his excitement about meeting both John Mayer and Dave Matthews in one day. He and his friends (partially pictured) were almost too thrilled to talk.

____________

Virginia Tech is a school which sits high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains.


Aerial view of Virginia Tech campus nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Never having traveled these parts before,I had no idea the Virginia Tech campus was so highly elevated or as geographers might say,above sea level, until I was actually en route in the Smart bus. Click here and link to a Heavier Octaves podcast for more on that,the concert and my day spent there at the school.

I attended the Concert for Virginia Tech as I had hoped, in both the capacity of music fan/minister ("Chaplain of Pop") and "citizen journalist", a fancy term for blogger. It is a trend that is growing by leaps and bounds in so many areas of publication,including newscasting with some spillover of sorts into the burgeoning field of broadcast and videotaping of live concerts a la "Synchronicity Live" and MTV's "You R Here".I'm happy I saw it coming... Whether it gave me the jump is another question... More on that later,much later--one week at least.

Either way,I was happy to be there to experience a vibe and usher in an era,so to speak, of which I have been a forecaster for several years--music and love tangibly employed as healing forces of the world,and by all appearances at Thursday's event, an increasingly practical notion. A concept which can be applied in an even broader community context, expanding beyond the hospital bedside or therapist's couch.

At least my ministry is driven by that possibility. As a frequenter of Mayer concerts as well as radio station host and podcaster,I've developed/"sculpted" play lists which offer the music of the artists that have inspired me by their "gift" or what I have observed to be a special connection with the people. And, I, in turn,from a fan perspective, have been inspired to spread and celebrate their music, as well as encourage and promote in whatever constructive way possible, from a fan standpoint, benevolent activities flowing therefrom.John Mayer has been at the top of the list for over four years.

The Concert for Virginia Tech was a heartwarming experience and by all accounts a tremendous success. Truly an event which elevated consciousness in more ways than one, heightening my perspective not only physically based on Virginia Tech's location in a mountainous region,but spiritually as well. I think there were others there that admitted the same and will continue to do so in the days ahead. Some expressed the sentiment by dancing,singing,clapping their hands,shouting out "Let's Go Hokies"chants in unison and forming "human waves" throughout the stadium stands.After performing "Belief" and as a segue into his second song "No Such Thing", John Mayer said "The world should be like this all the time.I'm gonna remember this."

And, rapper Nas had earlier chimed in about the vibe with his performance of "One Mic", "...all I need is one mic", a song conveying the power and harmony of people coming together in peace and on one accord(more). I believe his ensuing controversy with Bill O'Reilly served as the inspiration for that. Despite that, unity and harmony was the spirit which predominated Thursday night with music serving as the bonding agent. It was definitely a rejuvenating and uplifting feel good party and the crowd appeared to savor every second of it. I certainly did.

While Dave Matthews and Phil Vassar are Virginians, all hailing from that domain,John Mayer,Dave Matthews Band,Nas and Phil Vassar,all gave brilliant performances. Last night you would not have been able to distinguish those native to that community from those who were not,including myself. Even though,I have to admit,the cap I was wearing was embroidered with the pure Yankee, east coast location,"Martha's Vineyard". My bad. Hokies still showed me some love.

All of the artists blended in well with the V-Tech community, becoming a big part of it as each in their own unique way enriched the upbeat and resilient "Hokie spirit" which permeated the atmosphere all during the concert and in the buzz around campus days, minutes and seconds before.

Before each performance Dave Matthews introduced every artist with simplicity and what some might describe as a shot of his unique brand of Virginian charm. All shared their compassion,love and talent through the dynamic synergy of their music and physical presence at the stadium and sightings around campus prior to that. Both John Mayer and Nas donned their versions of a "Hokies United" Virginia Tech Tee shirt during the concert.Nas' was accentuated by a little bling. John's was sported with his customary flare for the tee style.

Rumor had it that he was lodging on campus at the community's own Virginia Tech Inn during his stay in the area,hanging out and chatting it up with students.This is what I heard from a group of students outside the Lane stadium during Dave Matthews' sound check.They had recently spotted John at the Inn and outside the stadium.He was no doubt making his usual down to earth "people's musician" rounds.

Mayer ended his concert by playing his bluesy/gospel-esque "Gravity" as a prayer to the Virginia Tech community.He prefaced the song with "this is our prayer for you". It was very moving. I was deeply touched,as I'm sure was the Hokie community(more). Dave Matthews' band member and sax player,Leroi Moore joined John and his band on stage in a sultry and slick horn solo as well as accompaniment throughout "Gravity". The performance of this song with John's guitar and vocals along with his band's back up and Leroi's sax was in my opinion one of the highlights of the concert.Well,almost.John did come back on stage to join Dave Matthews and his band in the performance of #41. Two members of the Roots band also joined the stage.It was good that John and DMB finally got the chance to "jam" together in peace and musical harmony after all the rumored rivalry over the years.This was the perfect setting for their collaboration "jam".The fans loved it.

I'm still partial to "Why Georgia",which is a sentimental favorite. It's the song where it all began for me. It's also one which John admitted in the first article written about him in Performing Songwriter Magazine had a Southern Baptist flavor. The Atlanta influence,no doubt.It was well received by this crowd as well. John's sax player Bob Reynolds is no slouch either.He out did himself as well on his playing during "Vultures".

Here are links to video clips taken from the concert highlighting each artists performance. Click here for a link to highlights of John's performance.

Also, the link to an interview I conducted with Keith Logan one of the Virginia Tech students pictured above(coming soon). A video clip of Leroi Moore's performance with John Mayer on "Gravity" can be found here.

Now back to the preparation of Sunday's sermon. I do have a speaking engagement in a church no less. I'm pondering a reflection about this experience with some scriptural back up... That shouldn't be too difficult.

Peace,

Cynthia (Revcoolc)

Special thanks to Virginia Tech media staff Chris Clough and his assistant Cecelia Hovis who did everything to make the media credentialing process efficient and seamless. They were both very friendly and accommodating as well. Also,thanks to Mark Owczarski

Related Blog and "Media Pool" Articles:

Good Love Is On the Way:Some Virginia Tech Inspiration and Encouragement

"A Noteworthy Event"

"All We Need Is One Mic"

What About Nas? God's Son and "I Can"