After attending the recent program, "Remembering the Dream," which was sponsored by the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods at the Oregon Convention Center on Aug. 28, I am moved to make a few comments.
First of all, I enjoyed the program immensely. I was impressed with the presence of so many prominent African American people, but I was extremely disappointed with the overall attendance for the event.
As a participant in the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott many years ago (1955-1956), the above-mentioned program gave me cause to remember and to comment on a few things. I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to see and listen to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. weekly during the yearlong boycott. All of the meetings were held in Black churches, and in some instances people had to stand outside and listen through loudspeakers.
To be honest, I believe the Rev. King was the best speaker I have ever heard. He inspired us to love our persecutors and to act against bigotry with nonviolence. In short, the Rev. King is considered a saint in some circles.
Considering that we live in one of the Whitest big cities in America — Portland — I think it is amazing that we have a Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and a statue of the man at the convention center.
Sam Jackson Jr.
Northeast Portland
