Reclaim MLK Legacy Through Change, Says Local Judge
| Jan. 25, 2017 | To truly honor the accomplishments and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. is to focus on the needs of the most vulnerable, said Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen at a Jan. 18 UAMS event celebrating the civil rights icon.
Griffen argued that fighting for justice and tolerance was key to reclaiming King’s legacy. Central to Griffen’s call to action was a speech King gave a year to the day before his assassination April 4, 1968, in which he called for “a radical revolution of values.”
“He’s revered throughout the world as one of the most prophetic souls in the 20th century, if not the entire modern era,” said Griffen. “Yet, the veneration of Dr. King has not included any significant or serious effort by U.S. policymakers, social commentators, moral leaders, including civic and religious, to embrace the radical revolution of values King called for in his speech.”
Griffen encouraged UAMS faculty, staff and students in attendance to challenge their priorities, beliefs and actions, and focus on the less fortunate in their neighborhoods, communities and workplaces.
UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn, M.D., said fairness and equity must remain fundamental principles of society, as they were key issues of King’s work.
“The love, justice and ethics championed by Dr. King impel us to cast off the notions of privilege and enter into fellowship with them in their experience,” said Griffen. “That will be unpopular, Dr. King’s life shows so. But that’s the reaction we must expect if we challenge the kingdoms of this world with the force of love, justice and peace.”
Griffen said it was vital to embrace King’s belief in the sacred dignity of every person.
“We must sacrifice together for the greater good of all,” said Griffen. “Those who are privileged must use our power and influence to help those who suffer. We must shift our priorities from profits and property to people. We must become agents of radical change.”
In striving to improve society, keeping King’s conviction of hope is crucial, said Griffen.
“Like Dr. King, I believe in hope, so I reject the idea we cannot be better than we are,” he said. “But, we will never be better if we maintain longstanding systems of inequality and refuse to tear down the systems that are responsible for this.”
Griffen said he always enjoyed returning to UAMS.
“UAMS is like Arkansas’ version of the United Nations,” he said. “In a real sense, the world comes to UAMS. The world comes to study; the world comes to teach; the world comes to heal; the world comes to be healed.”
UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn, M.D., said fairness and equity must remain fundamental principles in society, as they were key underpinnings of King’s message.
“Dr. King gave his life in pursuit of freedom, equality, equity and fairness,” said Rahn. “We have to remember, we must remember, his commitment as well as his personal sacrifice, and honor his legacy.”
Billy Thomas, M.D, M.P.H., vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, said society owes a great deal of its recent advancements and the increasing acceptance of multiple marginalized populations to the actions and vision of King.
“Even though things have not gotten to where we would like to see, we are moving forward,” said Thomas.
Prior to Griffen’s lecture, fourth- and fifth-grade students from Booker T. Washington Elementary School performed multiple songs, including “Stand by Me” and “Count on Me.”