Celebrating an American Hero

Some people hold different definitions for a hero, but all of these possible definitions include: someone who is considered a model admired for courage and noble qualities. This would certainly describe an individual who recognizes injustice and cruelty inflicted on others, and speaks up and takes corrective action to make a positive change.

In the life of the popular American role model, Martin Luther King, Jr., who was influenced by the theologian, educator, and civil rights leader, Howard Thurman, this certainly holds true. Mr. Thurman learned directly from the renowned Mahatma Gandhi about the non-violent resistance movement he successfully used to free his countrymen from foreign British rule, and taught the benefits of such actions to the youth he mentored. Inspired by Thurman, Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister, became a prominent leader of the African-American Civil Rights Movement to create a sense of equal justice tempered with human dignity for those oppressed in the United States by race and poverty.

After many years struggling to eliminate the inequality of African-Americans, he extended his battle to encompass the betterment of the livelihood for the disadvantaged of all races. Eventually, on October 14, 1964, Rev. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the time and energy he expended for his consistent noble endeavors, and in 1986, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. federal holiday.

On Monday, January 21, 2013, Tampa Bay will be celebrating its twenty-fifth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. This will be another joyous family event, which will begin on East Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and North 15th Street, and end on East Osborne Avenue and North 22nd Street in Tampa. This fun-filled, inspirational event that marks a positive point in North American history, is sponsored by Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, the Sheriff’s Office, the Oriental Fish Market, Frito-Lay, and Scott Travel.

In the same loving spirit, the St. Petersburg College is registering groups or organizations to volunteer for the good of the community with the 2013 MLK Day of Service in St. Petersburg, with a variety of categories to choose from, which include:

• Disaster Preparedness
• Economic Opportunity
• Education
• Environmental
• Food Distribution
• Health
• Homelessness
• Neighborhood Services
• Veterans

Now is your chance to shine, and give back to your hometown where you believe it counts more. Invite your church group, sports team, your child’s Boy or Girl Scout organization, or department at work to join in this collaboration to make a difference this year. People of all ages are invited to participate. It's a wonderful opportunity to be a good example for the area’s youth, as well as getting them involved in a worthwhile cause that supports their community.

Not only will this activity teach our young people the joy of helping those less fortunate, but it will also make them aware of the challenges experienced daily by the less fortunate, and make them appreciate the advantages and blessing they have in their lives.