Professor Veryl Miles published an article in Catholic Standard on January 17, 2025, offering a thoughtful reflection on those inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The piece highlights, in particular, one individual who attended the historic March on Washington in 1963, capturing the enduring impact of Dr. King’s legacy.
Click here to view the article.
Catholic Standard
Date: January 17, 2025
By: Veryl Miles
MLK and the Civil Rights Movement: Were You There?
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Of course there are countless individuals who participated in the movement and were inspired by Dr. King’s leadership whose stories are unknown to us. Some of these individuals were living in the Jim Crow South and joined the movement in hopes of bringing an end to the discrimination and oppression they endured on a daily basis. Others joined in solidarity with the movement from Northern and Western parts of the country, outraged by the conditions and violence in many Southern communities that were broadcast on television and reported in the press nationwide for everyone to see and to read.
Many of these same men, women and children are with us today. Some of the children are now in their late 60’s and early 70’s and the adults are now in their 80’s, 90’s and even centenarians. Over the years, one of my dear friends has shared memories of this important time, connecting it to the struggles with racism we wrestle with today and placing it squarely within her Christian and Catholic beliefs and values.
This year in my celebration of MLK Day, I want to share my friend’s story, because she was there, walking with Dr. King and the thousands who attended the March on Washington in 1963. Hopefully, her story might move others to find out who among their relatives, friends, neighbors and parishioners were among the unknown who stood with Dr. King and supported the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s.
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