SAN ANTONIO – (Jan. 14, 2024) – Despite frigid temperatures, Fred Brock American Legion Post 828, and many others too, including elected officials District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, gathered at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza to participate in the annual MLK Wreath-Laying Ceremony.
The event, hosted by the MLK Commission, is held annually to honor the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Dr. King. The 2024 theme is “Yesterday’s Dream, Today’s Vision and Tomorrow’s Reality."
The keynote speaker was Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), a longtime community activist who believes in the power of bringing people together to identify their common interests and solve problems.
He thanked the MLK Commission for the opportunity to speak on Dr. King’s life, and particularly on Dr. King’s relationship with labor.
“Dr. King distinguished himself with his ability to inspire others through the power of his unique unifying vision. He moved millions of people to organize their own local activity groups and fight for their own communities with his grand and hope-filled vision and his unique skills as a communicator.”
According to Cummings, whose father worked as a janitor for Southwestern Bell (now AT&T), racism is not an isolated issue, and it affects nearly every aspect of Black lives.
“Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the difference union membership and a union contract make in people’s lives,” said Cummings. “The full title of the 1963 march in Washington was the ‘March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.’ After the march, Dr. King began to focus even more on economic injustice, and he knew that union jobs could unlock economic equality for Black workers.”
Prior to his speech, Cummings, along with members of Endurance of Houston, a six-time Stellar Award nominated gospel quartet, blessed the attendees with two musical selections.
Special thanks to Harold and Mary Moore for planning and executing the ceremony. And for all organizations and groups which attended for their continuing support of Dr. King.
The mission of Fred Brock Post 828 is to enhance the well-being of San Antonio’s veterans, their families, the military and the community by its devotion to mutual helpfulness.
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