Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King’s
Dream: How can we end racism
today? St Paul’s cathedral 4th Dec 2014
This event commemorated the speech Martin Luther King gave
in the cathedral on 6th December 1964. The chair was the Dean of St
Paul’s and the speakers were Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Dr Heidi Safia Mirza of
Goldsmiths College, University of London and the journalist Hugh Muir. Corey
Samuel of the Renaissance Foundation introduced the evening by speaking of the
influence Martin Luther King has today on young people.
Dr Mirza outlined the 3 dimensions for a complete life in
Martin Luther King’s 1984 speech. Firstly the length of life and the inner care
of self. You should have pride in what you do and say “I am somebody”. She
pointed to the fact that black people are 5 times more likely to be in prison
in the UK and far less likely to be in boardrooms and university.
Secondly, the breadth of life in the sociological aspect
involving the care of others. She spoke of attacks on migrants, asylum seekers
and Muslims and asked whether globalisation can help.
Thirdly, the height of life and the need for spirituality.
Hugh Muir noted tremendous changes since 1964 and racist
election at Smethwick. He pointed to increase in mixed heritage and 100
different languages spoken in London boroughs. He was optimistic in the shared
pride in events like the London Olympics. But he commented on the poor
relationship with the criminal justice system of many black people and the
large number of over-qualified unemployed. He said that in Canada there is a
minister for multiculturalism. Governments can set the tone.
Baroness Lawrence spoke her hopes and dreams for a precious
future. She said that she saw despair and poverty. She said that the arguments
of UKIP need to be addressed by an “army of love” informed by an army of
knowledge just as unsung women domestic workers did in the civil rights
movement. It is important to tell the opposing facts and to get into the system
to change it.
” A child born in Richmond and Peckham having the same IQ
when born and at age 5, but not at age 15. “The Peckham child will not have the
same opportunities as the Richmond child.
“We need to see a sea change of progress. What does inequality
do to our children?” “We're not at the mountain top. We're climbing, we're
striving, and he (MLK) would be
encouraged by that.” “Where there is no passion, no hope, there is only
despair. It lowers ambition. It is a danger to our community.”
Dr Mirza urged us not to walk on eggshells but to speak out.
I left feeling that we could all do
something to bring about change. It was a truly inspiring evening.
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