In life, Martin Luther King Jr. advocated primarily for racial equality, but since his death King's legacy has transformed into one of broad social justice.
Georgetown University recognized the civil rights leader's legacy on Jan. 15 by honoring the Organization of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS for its work to combat the disease in Africa.
"The world still needs [King's] dream and we must continue to live the dream," Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia said at the university's annual Let Freedom Ring program in the Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. "We shall overcome the threat of AIDS in Africa, the United States and everywhere, and we will create a symphony of brotherhood."
DeGioia presented the university's annual John Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award to three representatives from the African organization. Named after Georgetown's legendary men's basketball coach, the award honors those who exemplify lessons taught by King.
Throughout the evening, speakers likened King's appeals for unity to today's AIDS pandemic and America's responsibility to address the problem. DeGioia told the audience that King's "I Have a Dream" speech especially is relevant to combating the effects of AIDS.
The organization's members are attempting to use their influence to not only encourage grassroots efforts to find homes, medicine and clothing for children impacted by HIV/AIDS, but to change global attitudes about the disease. The organization's primary initiative, "Treat Every Child as Your Own," launched in 2005 to promote adult responsibility to protect all African children from the dangers of HIV infection.
AIDS is ravaging African nations, but people there are doing their best to cope and rise above the disease, said Maureen Mwanawasa, first lady of Zambia and chair of the organization. As many as one in nine African children have lost a parent to AIDS, she told the audience. Many of those are taken in by other families, some led by single mothers, some infected with the disease themselves.
"The situation has changed. The situation will change. The situation is changing," Mwanawasa said, noting that Africans are helping each other persevere through the disease.
It is not uncommon, she explained, to find women throughout the continent who have taken in 30 children orphaned by AIDS.
"We must show that Africa is not just about wars and failed states," Mwanawasa said. "Good can come from Africa. Good does come from Africa."
She accepted the award along with two other first ladies from the organization: vice chair Azeb Mesfin of Ethiopia and former chair Jeannette Kagame of Rwanda.
Kagame implored attendees to remember King's teachings that people must pick each other up in times of need for the greater good.
"Next time you come across a child in pain from hunger and disease, don't ask why, don't ask how. Just treat that child as your own," she said.
This is the fifth Legacy of a Dream award presented by the university. Previous recipients include Thompson; former Secretary of State Colin Powell and his wife, Alma Powell; William H. Gray III of the United Negro College Fund; and civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks.
The night marked the sixth joint venture between the university and the Kennedy Center to recognize King's legacy. Other highlights of the evening included performances by R&B singer and songwriter Brian McKnight; Nuttin’ But Stringz, an eclectic violin act by brothers Damien and Tourie Escobar; and Georgetown’s Let Freedom Ring choir, led by the Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. of Metropolitan Baptist Church.
The choir, with singers from the staff, faculty, student body and Washington, D.C. area, premiered a new composition by Williams, "Acha Uhuru Utawale," or "Let Freedom Ring." Commissioned by the university, the song is a mixture of English and Swahili and uses text adapted from King's "I Have a Dream" speech.
Georgetown's Let Freedom Ring program continues throughout the week with a spiritual service, discussion groups and a special performance by the university's gospel choir at the Jan. 20 men's basketball game between the Hoyas and the Cincinnati Bearcats.
