USA: DuPage County celebrates King’s dream

Imam I.H. Kauser pointed out that many of Dr. King’s teachings ran parallel with those of his 120-year-old sect, which preaches absolutely no violence in Islam.

Photo credit: Daily Herald / Marco Santana

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Herald |
By Marco Santana | January 18, 2010

The African Methodist Episcopal Church’s first female bishop says the violence in Arizona shows there still is work to be done to realize the dream Martin Luther King Jr. strived for in the 1960s.

Vashti Murphy McKenzie, of the 13th Episcopal District of the church in Tennessee and Kentucky, said the attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was a real example that violence can still erupt anywhere and at anytime.

“It was not an episode of ‘Law & Order’ or ‘CSI: Miami,’” she said Monday. “It was all too real. It was a violent, senseless act that makes us sit up straight.”

McKenzie was the featured speaker at DuPage County’s 21st celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Wheaton College. Her message included reference to the Arizona shooting, which happened outside of a Tucson supermarket Jan. 9 and left Giffords in an Arizona hospital, as well as hope that society can one day embrace unity.


She said the time to do that is right now.

“Tomorrow is today,” she said. “There is such a thing as being too late.”

Although McKenzie was the featured speaker, a parade of religious leaders took their turns onstage, each with a variation of Dr. King’s message of hope and peace. The speakers included Rabbi Marc Rudolph of Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville; Wheaton College Chaplain Rev. Stephen Kellough and Imam I.H. Kauser of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Glen Ellyn.

Kauser pointed out that many of Dr. King’s teachings ran parallel with those of his 120-year-old sect, which preaches absolutely no violence in Islam.

Between speakers, an energetic gospel choir sang spiritual songs and had the crowd on its feet. During one poignant moment, 15 high school students from across the county were given scholarships for their work toward reaching and spreading Dr. King’s message.

“It was inspiring; the things said really resonated with me,” said Plainfield resident Kevin Brewton, who used to live in Lisle and has been attending the celebration for years. “It’s important to look forward at what we can do to achieve Martin Luther King’s dream.”

Wheaton resident Melissa Wheaton said seeing the diversity was a good sign.

“I like that there were varying religions to address us and we could sit here in one room together, without judgment or animosity toward anybody,” she said. “We have come a long way in that sense.”



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