One thing we can all agree upon: The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was a world-renowned figure who stood up and spoke up for freedom, justice and equality for all people. He was a great Georgian who advocated non-violence and inspired people worldwide. It is only fitting that his native state authorize placement of a statue on the grounds of the state Capitol. House Bill 1080, withbipartisan support from the House and Senate as well as the governor, does just that.
The legislation was passed by wide margins in both chambers and is headed to Gov. Nathan Deal for signature. It states that no taxpayer dollars will be used to fund the statue. While a statue is a symbolic gesture, King should join other great Georgians. His statue will signify a sense of pride and reflection of the long journey up freedom highway. As the saying goes: “Freedom is not free; a price has been paid.”
King certainly paid the ultimate price for Georgia, the United States and the entire world. Fifty years ago, he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Having heard and read that speech on many occasions leads me to believe it has become one of the most read and heard speeches of all time. It has driven people of all races and nationalities to celebrate King’s life’s work and the strides we all have made toward justice and equality. The speech is inscribed as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial on the National Mall, the first to honor an African-American and one who did not serve as president.
Throughout America and Georgia, we continue to celebrate King’s contributions and his legacy as a peacemaker and noted Georgian. At 35, he was the youngest male to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He was posthumously awarded a 1977 Presidential Medal of Honor and a 2004 Congressional Gold Medal. He has a federal holiday in his name.
According to Derek Alderman, a cultural geographer at East Carolina University, there are 730 American cities in 39 states that have named a street after King. More than 100 streets here in Georgia and 110 public schools bear King’s name. He once stated: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for the sacrifices you made to make Georgia and America what it is today. The state Capitol statue is long overdue.
Calvin Smyre, D-Columbus, represents District 132.
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