Creating Change

 I was there, September 20, 1963, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at our synagogue in St. Louis. My awareness of nonviolent resistance was heighten that August, seeing masses of people gather peacefully in front of the Washington Monument.  And, of course instantly as I heard Dr. King’s voice ring throughout the our sanctuary.

Over the following 53 years, I have read numerous books about Dr. King, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Cesar Chavez, as well as nonviolence as a process to create change.

Currently I am reading Congressman John Lewis’ 2012 Across That Bridge – Life Lessons and a Vision for Change. As a result, I am now more convinced than ever that a massive nonviolent movement can move our country in a humane and equitable direction.
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Congressman Lewis discusses the six foundations he believes create nonviolent change:
   1.    Faith
   2.    Patience
   3.    Study
   4.    Truth
   5.    Peace
   6.    Love
   7.    Reconciliation

These are similar and intertwine with the King Center’s Six Steps of Nonviolent Social Change: www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy

• Information Gathering
• Education
• Personal Commitment
• Negotiation
• Direct Action
• Reconciliation

It is time to study, learn and commit!  What will you do?

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