Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. — Part 5 of 5

In commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, UNMC Today will feature a series of photographs and quotations from the civil rights leader. In today’s excerpt, Dr. King reflects on the need for international cooperation.

“We are everlasting debtors to known and unknown men and women. When we arise in the morning, we go into the bathroom where we reach for a sponge provided for us by a Pacific Islander. We reach for soap that is created for us by a Frenchman. The towel is provided by a Turk. Then at the table we drink coffee which is provided for us by a South American, or tea by a Chinese, or cocoa by a West African. Before we leave for our jobs, we are beholden to more than half the world.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from “Strength to Love,” New York: Harper, 1963

Plan to attend

The 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration, sponsored by UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center, will be Monday from noon to 1 p.m. in the Storz Pavilion on the lower level of Clarkson Tower. The event is free, open to the public and includes free lunch for the first 300 people.

Speaking at the event will be nationally known actor and native Omahan, John Beasley.

At age 45, he became a professional actor. Some of his recurring TV appearances include: “CSI,” “The Pretenders,” “Millenium,” and “Everwood.”

Supporters in Baltimore greet and congratulate Dr. King upon his return from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies. (Photo courtesy of Leonard Freed/Magnum Photos)

He is also widely recognized for his major motion picture credits which include: “The Sum of All Fears” (2002) with James Cromwell and Morgan Freeman; “The Apostle” (1997) with Robert Duvall and “Losing Isaiah” (1995) with Jessica Lange and Halle Berry.

In 2002, he founded the John Beasley Theater and Workshop in Omaha. Through the organization, Beasley discovers new talent, recruits nationally known actors for local performances and annually produces several plays which focus on the African American experience.

For more information, contact Jo Giles at 559-4696 or jgiles@unmc.edu.