Martin Luther King was a Millennial when he made history

During this week, the United States of America pauses to celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When I speak about him, I always remind people that he was only 39 years old when he was assassinated. Yes, he was a millennial.

Think about it. He impacted the country during his 20s and 30s.

What were you doing when you were that young? Were you standing in front of crowds and captivating them with your oratorical skills? Were people in the South making it their business to gather wherever you were speaking? Were you getting arrested, not for any crime that you committed, but because you were trying to make life better for the children coming behind you and the people over 40 years of age who had been living in unbearable conditions?

I admire him for his passion to take a stand no matter the consequences as a young person. I also admire the millennial reporters that I work with at the Telegram Newspaper. Kellee Jordan, Clifton Kirkman and Ma'Jenaya Johnson. They have passion, conviction and the desire to make a change in their communities.

I asked them their views on Civil Rights because I feel that if we are going to improve our lives and make a difference it will take all of us working together. However, Millennials must be part of the process. Read their columns in this week's issue. Also, join me on Saturday, January 15th for a conversation with Inglish Reed Jones, the Founder of Millennials 4 Nonprofits. She will share some tips, strategies and eye-opening thoughts on how cross generational relationships are key to having successful organizations and projects. It will be held on ZOOM, the Meeting ID - 81356746696

Remember Monday, January 17th is a Day On, not a Day Off; Do something in your community or share your history of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with your family. (Use this week's issue as a guide).

Gina Wilson Steward

CEO/Publisher