Mat-Su Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation holds virtual event honoring life and legacy of historic civil rights leader

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation recently hosted a virtual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration over Zoom, featuring a variety of local and out of state voices that honored King’s life and legacy, as well as how to propel his dream forward during this period of history.

“If you America, don’t realize that people of color are part of this country, and without fabric woven in the American flag, this republic doesn’t work,” Mat-Su Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation president Aundra Omega Jackson said.

In addition to passionate speeches and presentations, there were a number of spirited musical performances throughout the event.

The virtual event featured a number of Valley voices like the Mat-Su Health Foundation CEO Elizabeth Ripley, and Alaska State Troopers B Detachment Captain Tony April who served as the keynote speaker.

“Everyone has talked about how difficult 2020 was… It was a wake up for a lot of folks around the racism that’s happening all over our country, including our communities here in the Mat-Su. That’s really important when you have wake up calls. You can’t waste wakeup calls,” Ripley said. “As we go into 2021, I hope we can bring people together instead of sewing division… That’s incumbent on all of us, to work together to do that.”

April was pleased with the wide range of voices that were heard during the Zoom meeting. He said that he was encouraged by the amount of people stepping up to bring focus to fight to end racism.

“When you look at who’s on this line, it does my heart good... because Dr. King’s goal was not to see color, not to see race, but the human race… That says a lot. The dream is not dead. The dream is still alive,” April said.

April is a longtime member of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, or NOBLE. He’s presented at countless venues, served as a consultant in matters dealing with parliamentary procedures, and mentored Alaskan youth across the state.

He said this annual holiday serves as a “somber and empowering” chance to meditate on King’s core mission and values and apply them to our daily lives.

“We all should pause and reflect on Dr. King’s life… his principles of equality, love, civil nonviolence,” April said.

April and other speakers cited the recent White House invasion as a sobering display of hate and violence, the complete opposite of what King stood for.

“Last week, we saw the horrific domestic terror attack that was proudly displayed worldwide by angry mobs upon the United States capitol. Dr. King reminds us that we must never be afraid to do what is right, especially if a person or animal well being is at stake,” April said. “We still have many rivers to cross. We must never forget the abomination the mob wielded in the name of patriotism. Those of us who starchily embody Dr. King’s spirit can take solace despite the dark side of American conflict. Good always outlasts evil.”

Since April has been in NOBLE, he’s presented several workshops, served as a consultant in matters dealing with parliamentary procedures, partnered with Alaska U.S. Senators, like Lisa Murkowski and her assistant Trina Bailey on policy input and development, and mentored the diverse, Alaskan youths.

“The key to change is within you. A leader must be a person who inspires others to achieve what they believe in unachievable. Through education, through perseverance you level the playing field and achieve that so-called impossible dream,” April said.

Jackson wrapped up the meeting by saying that creating lasting change for the greater good comes down to people stepping up and taking leadership roles in their communities, to follow the footsteps of leaders like King.

“Take a moment to give thanks to those who shouldered and continued to stand, because without their sacrifice, nothing like this would be possible… It’s time for our ancestors to rest in peace. They’ve done their job and we must do ours,” Jackson said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com