Practicing the Assertive and Active Force of Love: Living MLK Jr.’s Vision of “Beloved Community”

 

This week we honor one of the greatest American philosophers, communicators and leaders of our country’s history. This Sunday evening, we invite you on a journey with us into practicing the assertive and active force of love, as taught and lived by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We welcome Kazu Haga, Coordinator and Trainer at East Point Peace Academy, and Melissa Crosby, activist, educator and poet, our local direct connection to the living lineage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s effective teachings. The Eastpoint Peace Academy is an organization dedicated to bringing about a culture of peace through training, education and the practice of nonviolence and conflict reconciliation. East Point is grounded in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and works with incarcerated populations, youth, activists and community leaders to bring about the framework for the future, the “Beloved Community.” Kazu, Melissa, and our hosts, Timothy Regan and Marlena Willis, will share practical approaches to raising our voices and our power to create what King always wanted as the framework for the future, “the beloved community.” Melissa will talk about upcoming “Reclaim MLK” events, which are focused on direct actions dedicated to non-violent protest: “We are redefining our values and our self-worth and in doing so create more space to come into connection, to care for and learn from each other. When we come together, we have a glimpse into our collective power, and we are starting to see that very clearly now.”

About Kazu Haga: Born in Japan, Kazu has been engaged in social change work since participating in the Interfaith Pilgrimage of the Middle Passage at 17 years old. He has over 15 years of experience in nonviolence, training and organizing work and has been trained by elders such as Dr. Bernard Lafayette and Rev. James Lawson. He has been a Kingian Nonviolence trainers since 2009, is the co-founder/Board Chair of Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice sits on the board of PeaceWorkers and the OneLife Institute, as well as the Strategic Advisory Council of the Metta Center for Nonviolence.

About Melissa Crosby: For over 18 years Melissa has dedicated herself to creating positive lasting change in the lives of youth. She is an educator, activist, organizer, scientist, and humanitarian.

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