Sent in Honor Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poem by Deidre Dixon

Recognized by his work and not by soliciting recognition
Brought about change without changing his values
Walked in courage in the midst of contentious, cantankerous Klansmen
Demonstrated restraint when faced with disdain and discrimination
Brilliantly led a boycott to banish back seats only to Blacks
Courageously corralled a collaborative consisting of a collage of cultures
Orated hope to the oppressed, rejected and the hopeless
Exercised his faith fearlessly and faithfully
Lived to fight for freedom, facing constant danger to his life
Broke through barriers of racism despite backlash and retaliation
Operated in peace during a pandemic of segregation and riotous pandemonium
Strategically gained access to areas inaccessible to people of color
Discouraged distrust of White people though we faced signs for 'Whites Only'
Refused to operate in a spirit of hatred, bitterness or violent retaliation
Influenced his followers to refrain from violence and protest intentionally
Taught men to maintain dignity and discipline even when directly assaulted
Stood on the principle that freedom was for all people
Dreamed of a day when unity and justice would no longer be a dream
Died at the hands of a desperate assassin diseased with hatred
Knew his days were numbered, yet knowing, advanced head-on into the battle
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not go into the battle with his eyes closed
He was sent