Pursuing

Jews flock to promoting
harmony and
peace through
Dr. King's ideals.

col,
rney with
-based
Inc.,

tees in
i in the
Os:
ihe
thing that
g did in getting his mes-
TOSS was to adopt the moral
und, so that anyone, from
a religious, social or political
*poirit who valued and cher-
freedom and equality, had
oice but to agree with him. It
interfaith — there was a
emendo us feeling of fellowship.
'He led a huge march in the
early 1960s in Detroit, walking
o wn Woodward Avenue. Every
Fish organization'supported it.
were given an opportunity to
C him on the moral high
round and it was absolutely an
'exhilarating experience."

nk that
philosophy of
ay School

111
D. Mark Smiley

very much tied into the
eyvish values that we teach in
ool. For almost 10 years, we
ee n partnering with Detroit
schools in an effort to teach
ration, diversity and a sense
all of us have been created in
e image of God."

David Gad-Harf, director of the
Jewish. Community Council of
Metropolitan Detroit:
"1 think that Martin Luther King
awakened the conscience of

en

1/14

2000

6

LESLIE ZACK
College Intern

S

ephanie Hall says even if she
was not officially involved
with the Martin Luther King
Jr. Peace Walk, she still
would be there in Southfield, walking
with her 6-year-old daughter,
Adrienne.
"The Martin Luther King Jr. holi-
day is one of the wonderful com-
munity-based programs that
encourages everyone to cele-
brate unity and peace
among all people," said
Hall, Southfield's
community relations
manager. "I believe
it is my responsibili-
ty as a mother, as a
professional and as a
Jewish American, to
help the next genera-
tion of leaders learn
about Dr. King's teachings
so they can live the dream."
Hall is among the Jews who have
long been associated with Martin
Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, both
in their planning and as participants.
Also in Southfield, 46th District
Court Judge Steven Cooper, thurch-
synagogue liaison on the city's MLK
celebration committee, has been part
of the activity for nearly a decade.
"Since Jews are a minority, we are
attracted to championing rights,
which is why so many Jews participate
in the Martin Luther King celebra-
tions," Judge Cooper said.
"But the Rev. King said it best:
`We must learn to act together as

Leslie Zack of Farmington Hills is

a sophomore at Michigan State
University's James Madison College.

Jr. service recognition award, hon-
oring a Southfield or Lathrup Village
resident who best exemplifies the
ideals and life of Dr. King, who
was assassinated April 4, 1968.
Patricia Haynie, president of
the Martin Luther King holiday
task force in Southfield, is devoted
to spreading tolerance, saying, "Dr.
King's role in building interfaith rela-
tions has been extremely instrumental.
Not only was he a strong supporter of
human rights, 'but of ecumenical
councils as well."
"United We Walk
2000," West Bloomfield's
sixth annual program
for the holiday, will
take place Sunday,
Jan. 16, and
Monday, Jan. 17. A
candlelight vigil
sponsored by the
West Bloomfield
Clergy Association and
Community Forum will be
held Sunday evening at West
Bloomfield High School. The cel-
ebration, based at the high school,
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
continues Monday with a program,
brothers, or we will perish as fools.'"
walk and dialogue sessions featuring
Southfield and West Bloomfield
student entertainment and speeches.
each will celebrate the legacy of peace,
West Bloomfield trustee Stuart
tolerance and dignity left by Dr. King
Brickner, a longtime member of the
with candle-lighting ceremonies,
township's Martin Luther King Jr.
speeches and marches.
Day celebration committee, has facili-
The Southfield Peace Walk Monday,
tated in the planning and festivities of
Jan. 17, starts at 10:30 a.m. from Hope
"United We Walk."
United Methodist Church and ends a
"Dr. King's role in building inter-
half-mile later at the Southfield
faith relations has been pivotal in the
Pavilion. Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg of
topic of human and civil rights,"
Young Israel of Southfield will deliver
Brickner said. By participating in the
the benediction at the ceremony.
Martin Luther King march, and
Keynote speaker is scheduled to be
remembering Dr. King as a positive
retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Lucius
leader, "we may be able to limit the
Theus. The program will include the
- number of people in our community
presentation of the Martin Luther King
who resort to polarization.

.

