Fifty-Five years ago, it wasn't possible to elect African-American state legislators, U. S. congresspersons, senators, governors, presidents, and now Hakeem Jeffries, from Brooklyn N.Y, who has been elevated to the position of Minority Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Fifty-Five years ago, it wasn't possible to dream that the City of Monroe would see an African-American mayor and majority city council, and perhaps one day its first female mayor.

All things are possible to him that believe; Mark 9:23. I salute you and thank God for you Dr. King, because you believed! I salute Dr. King, for allowing Almighty God to use his voice to lead the people. Dr. King, you fought a good fight, you finished your course, you kept the faith. Henceforth, there is a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give you at that day; 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Today, no matter the color of one's skin, we all have an opportunity and responsibility to work to keep this righteous man's dream alive by ensuring that America lives out the true meaning of its creed. I end with additional quotes for each theme; quotes that are my favorite. No doubt you will have your favorite, too. Service

"Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service...You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love." "If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Knowing Your Worth

"Don't allow anybody to make you feel that you're nobody."

"Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.

Freedom

"God is not interested merely in the freedom of black men, and brown men, and yellow men; God is interested in the freedom of the whole human race."

"Free at last, free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last."

Equality

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

Victory

"If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl. But by all means, keep moving."

"We shall overcome."

These powerful Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes are still relevant and true for today.

Photo Honorable Betty Ward-Cooper – Monroe City School Board District 5

2018-2022 & 2022-2026 & Former Board President