Tri-State Unity Coalition speaks out

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy
in Milford

By ROSANNE LA RUSSO KOLBERG

MILFORD — The racially motivated crimes that have occurred during the past year in Milford cause deep concern to all law-abiding citizens for a number of reasons. They are certainly a sad commentary on how far we have yet to go to make the dream for equality and peace, expressed more than 30 years ago by Dr. King, a reality in our community.

More than 50 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Dr. King delivered one of his most eloquent speeches on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Dr. King dreamed of a day when his children would “live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

The positive response of our community to these hate crimes is inspired by Dr. King’s legacy to us. As he so passionately stated, “the time has come to make our country a place where the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.”

Citizens of Milford and many surrounding communities have come together to create a forum to learn about each other, celebrate our diversity and serve as a resource to our community. We are building the table of brotherhood and sisterhood, at which all people can feel welcome. The individuals and organizations that have committed themselves to developing the Tri-State Unity Coalition are not high-profile politicians or great historical figures. We are your neighbors, friends, teachers, religious leaders, sisters, brothers and children. We share Dr. King’s passionate dream that, “One day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’”

The most fitting memorial to Dr. King I can think of is for each of us to act now, to make that day come soon in Milford.

The Tri-State Unity Coalition can be reached by e-mailing tristateunity@yahoo.com or by visiting www.geocities.com/tristateunity.

Rosanne La Russo Kolberg is chairperson of Tri-State Unity Coalition.