Schools
Swain Hosts Second Martin Luther King Jr. Day Tribute
Speakers at The Swain School's tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. included Dr. Saladin Ambar, of Lehigh University, and U.S. Rep. Charles Dent
A Lehigh University Africana studies teacher and a United States congressman were among the participants in ’s second annual Monday in Salisbury Township.
“King believed in everything this country was supposed to be. He believed in the U.S. Constitution. He was a man who changed America,” said U.S. Rep. Charles Dent (R-15th), whose niece and nephew attend Swain.
Dr. Saladin M. Ambar, assistant professor of political science at Lehigh, said King compelled us to ask deeper questions about the world we live in: why status was based on the color of skin; why Americans were separated into masters and slaves, or men and boys.
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Ambar noted that at one time, King was a seven-year-old and nine-year-old, just like many children in the audience. “He started out just thinking about changing the world,” Ambar said.
“In the joy or loss of one race, all the rest have equal claim,” quoted Ambar, reading from abolitionist James Russell Lowell’s poem, “The Present Crisis,” source of the title for the NAACP’s magazine, The Crisis.
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“If we understand this, as Dr. King did, we will be making the world better,” said Ambar, who has taught classes on the political philosophy of President Barack Obama, and race and American political development.
Chris Burns, Swain history teacher, introduced a video of Dr. King’s “Mountaintop” speech, recorded the night before he was killed in Memphis, Tenn. “All we say to America is be true to what you say on paper,” said King on April 3, 1968.
After breaking into groups to discuss King, justice, non-violence and courage, attendees rejoined to share their observations. Musical presentations followed, including the Muhlenberg College Gospel Choir, jazz selections from saxophonist and Swain trustee, the Rev. Gregory Edwards of Resurrected Life Community Church and Swain student Leland Hargrow.
“This day is about community and an opportunity to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Todd Stansbery, Swain’s head of school. “This is a very important day for us."
