Opening Breath and Affirmation:
Take a deep breath and say: I will be Nonviolent by leading the way nonviolently, I will use the six steps of nonviolence and practice forgiveness.
Quote of the Day:
"The beloved community is a global vision, in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. In the Beloved Community, poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. An all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood will replace racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice. In the Beloved Community, international disputes will be resolved by peaceful conflict resolution and reconciliation of adversaries, instead of military power. Love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred. Peace with justice will prevail over war and military conflict.” –King Center brochure about Kingian Nonviolence Training and Education Programs
Today in Social Movement History:
On January 20, 2014, you will make social movement history by ringing a bell (the school bell or individual bells) with thousands of other people around the world, reminding us all to "let freedom ring!"
Nonviolent Word of the Day:
BELOVED COMMUNITY – Term coined by philosopher Josiah Royce to denote an ideal community, used frequently by Dr. King to describe a society of justice, peace and harmony which can be achieved through nonviolence. In his sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, on April 2, 1957, Dr. King said, “The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community.”
Activity of the Day:
Find a bell, or construct one, and ring it for freedom! Bells around the world will ring for one minute to "let freedom ring" all around the world. Read the transcript of Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech using this line here.
Respond:
Write about your memories of past Martin Luther King Jr. holidays. What types of activities have you done in the past and what impact have they had on your life? If this is your first time celebrating this important holiday, welcome! You join millions of others across the United States and billions around the world as they REMEMBER Rev. Dr. King, CELEBRATE the movement for racial equality and human flourishing, and ACT towards the continued development of the Beloved Community.
