Each year I experience the same sense of belonging when attending the City of Mesa, MLK Breakfast. The panel of diverse speakers included Dr. Bobby Jones of Nashville, TN - the first and only nationally syndicated black gospel television show, earning many awards. The voice of Native American student Whitney Youngman, Mesa High School; speaking with depth and understanding; a representative of our youth today. Mesa Public Schools does an excellent job educating our children in many critical areas. We listened and sang along with the Saved by Grace Choir, blended voices that sang of hope, freedom, and a strength that one day…..it will be better, a change is coming!I believe many have that dream no matter what their circumstance: ethnicity, finances, health challenges, physical appearance, the young/working/retired, education, gender, beliefs, family, relationships, station in life, a false belief of unworthiness, a false sense of privilege, or locked in an emotional cell….waiting, for the key of freedom and acceptance.A silver thread of acceptance in our differences has the ability to knit our community together in an authentic way. Cultivating a desire to know and value the other; and embrace Dr. King’s message of freedom and hope. Whitney phrased it nicely, "Thanks MLK, Jr. for making everyone acceptable. Fighting for the good of all mankind, not to change beliefs but give another perspective".Why do we make it so complicated? I enjoyed that morning, seeing and visiting with many I’ve come to know over the years. I felt at home with friends. Partners in understanding one another’s value. MLK is a perfect way to uphold and recognize the diverse and unique value in each of us. Inclusion, not just one portion of our population, but a celebration of each life within the whole. Many Faces, One Community. To experience this at the beginning of the year was fortunate since the city is having to cut other celebrations. I like the idea of those committed to restoring the home of Mesa’s first Black doctor, what it will represent - a symbol of freedom, acceptance, value. I bet it will feel like home.
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