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Team Shaw honors Martin Luther King Jr. at luncheon

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandria Mosness
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Hundreds of Team Shaw members came together to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at a luncheon here Jan. 13.

The luncheon was sponsored by Shaw's Black Heritage Committee and included music, poetry and the guest speaker, Congressman James E. Clyburn.

The theme of this year's event was a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "The quality, not the longevity of one's life is what is important."

A slide show of King's life flashed across the big screen as people ate their meals and a book display of strong African Americans throughout history was also available.

Clyburn talked about two experiences that laid the foundations for who he has become today, he said.

The first was telling his father he was not following in his footsteps in the ministry. The second event was when he met King for the first time.

When Clyburn met King, he was a college student participating in the civil rights movement with other young people.

"Many of us questioned his philosophy of non violence," he explained. "As you can imagine, for young college students turning the other cheek is not easy. We were taught to turn the other cheek growing up, but when someone smacks you, it is your reaction to smack back."

The group Clyburn was with discussed their problems and concerns with King's philosophy.

"How can you justify and ask us to accept and absorb unfair and unprovoked, and sometimes very dangerous activities?" Clyburn questioned.

The discussion lasted until 4 a.m., Clyburn told the audience.

"When I came out, I was a changed person," he added. "I knew I'd just sat down with one of the world's greatest personality."

For Clyburn's closing remarks to the crowd, he urged the audience to read the work of King.

"Internalize the life legacy of this great American," he said.

"It's important to honor Dr. King," said Master Sgt. Rashaun Fleming, 20th Operation Support Squadron airfield manager and active member in the Black Heritage committee. "He didn't just push equality for African Americans, he pushed equality for everyone. I feel like people are finally getting it. They realize it doesn't matter what color skin you have. The change is not one day, it is now."