Mikey told me years ago about a little book called “A Call to Conscience,” a compilation of the most famous speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He told me the audiobook was even better, but since it was also more expensive, I settled for the traditional book. I used it often. Just before we moved to California, my amazing friend, Diann, gave me a gift – the audiobook I wanted in the first place!
Last Friday in Torts class Dean Gash handed out copies of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. He mentioned that his family had a tradition of reading it together on MLK Day each year and encouraged us to do the same. I thought that was a great idea, but I have decided to up the ante and have us actually listen to it instead.
In addition, Jody got us tickets to hear Stedman Graham speak at the law school this morning on the topic, “Diversity: Leaders Not Labels.” (I wasn’t familiar with Mr. Graham, but I guess half the world knows him as Oprah’s business partner / old boyfriend.) Preacher Ken & Gary Selby from our church are supposed to be part of the presentation, too.
I have long been fascinated by the Civil Rights Movement. I think the word “love” is the most important word in the world, and I think love is played out in the twin concepts of peace and justice. It seems to me that the Civil Rights Movement featured those ideas more than any other era of American history, all of which goes into saying that today has become my favorite holiday of the year.
Minutes to Memories 
Al:
A friend sent us an mp3 copy of the speech, and Linda and I listened to it on Monday. Couldn’t hold back the tears.
I got to hear a black orator (who is an English professor here at Pepperdine) deliver the speech in his best preacher-voice. That was pretty cool, too, but nothing like the original.