Unity and Healing - The Power of Nonviolence in 2024

Welcome to a very special edition of G.R.O.W. Today, we're taking a moment to reflect on the inspiring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a true hero in the fight for justice and nonviolence. In these pages, we're diving into some pretty big issues - the kind of stuff Dr. King stood for - like tackling violence in our cities and finding ways to bring communities together, especially in minority neighborhoods.

We've got some heartfelt stories from our AFGM family, showing us how Dr. King's legacy still fires us up to make a difference today. We will discuss how mentorship and community engagement in 2024 can be pivotal in transforming the challenges we face into opportunities for unity and positive change.

Also, did you know? July 2, 2024, marks 60 years since the passing of the groundbreaking Civil Rights Act of 1964. This was a landmark moment in our history. Join us in honoring Dr. King's vision by embracing nonviolence as a powerful social change and healing tool.

I hope you find something in here that inspires you. Enjoy!

Michael R. Morgan

Publisher of G.R.O.W. and CEO/Founder of A Few Good MENtors, Inc.

GROWTH GATEWAY

Nonviolence - Dr. King's Vision for Today’s Cities

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s commitment to nonviolence, deeply ingrained in his character and fueled by his faith and philosophical studies, became a defining feature of the civil rights movement, starting with the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger, this boycott became a hallmark of peaceful protest against racial segregation. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings of nonviolent resistance, King's leadership in the boycott challenged segregation laws and energized the broader civil rights movement, setting a precedent for future nonviolent protests in the struggle for racial equality.

Dr. King's choice of nonviolence as a mantra was both revolutionary and challenging, particularly in an era marked by rampant racial injustice. It was a conscious decision to fight oppression without mirroring its violence, to stand firm in dignity and discipline amidst provocation. This approach wasn't universally accepted within the African-American community; some advocated for more direct, even aggressive, methods of protest. Yet, King's commitment to peaceful protest became a powerful tool in the civil rights movement, highlighting the stark contrast between the peaceful demonstrators and the often brutal responses they received.

Today, Dr. King's nonviolence teachings are relevant in addressing the complexities of urban communities. In cities where violence and crime are often present, his principles offer a symbol of hope and a roadmap for fostering peace and understanding. By embracing nonviolence, communities can build a foundation of mutual respect and empathy, which is crucial for addressing deep-seated issues and initiating meaningful change.

In the spirit of Dr. King, the application of nonviolence in today's cities calls for courage, patience, and a steadfast commitment to justice. It’s about channeling our frustrations and anger into constructive, peaceful actions that unite rather than divide. This approach can open doors to dialogue, bridge gaps between diverse groups, and create an atmosphere where real healing and progress can occur.

When I think about Dr. King's legacy, it’s clear that his vision extends far beyond the historical context of the 1960s. His message of nonviolence is timeless, offering guidance and inspiration for today's challenges. If we could embrace these principles, we would honor his legacy and continue the vital work of building more impartial, peaceful, and understanding communities.

INSIGHT EXCHANGE

Dr. King’s Legacy lives on

Legacy is defined as the long-lasting impact of particular events and actions that took place in the past or of a person’s life. Dr. King’s legacy will significantly impact American lives for years to come. Most people treat Martin Luther King Day as just another day off from work. Others have embraced the National Day of Service to honor Dr. King. In fact, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a National Day of Service. Let’s expand that to an entire week of service. Dr. King’s life was so impactful that one day doesn’t do it justice.

I had a touching experience recently at a Department of Veteran Affairs event in Richmond, Virginia. Meeting a participant of the Selma to Montgomery Marches, who recalled the events vividly, this was a stark reminder of the ongoing relevance of Dr. King's work. His legacy was real to this gentleman, and it got me thinking: How does Dr. King’s legacy affect us today, especially in our work at A Few Good MENtors?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. What does Dr. King's legacy mean to you? How does it influence your actions, beliefs, or approach to mentorship? Share your insights and reflections with me at [email protected] – your voices add so much value to our community’s conversation.

Speaking of voices, let’s hear from a few AFGM members on what Dr. King's legacy means to them:

Tamika M. Morgan, MBA, Compliance and Oversight Director for AFGM, shares, “The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has significantly impacted my life; it helped shape my existence today. Dr. King's values and practices are what I remember most from childhood, In fact, they have continued to strongly serve as inspiration through my life journey. During times when I have felt racism and/or injustice were demonstrated, my faith in Dr. King's I Have A Dream speech gave me the strength to stay the course and pursue the dream he sacrificed for us to live.  My goal is to honor his life by playing a role in helping others reach their dreams. “

Lawrence Duke, Board Member/Mentor for AFGM, shares, “The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and all those who stood by and supported him have made a tremendous impact around the world.  I have learned a lot from many people in my life, from my parents and relatives, elders, pastors, teachers, and many others, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The life and teachings of Dr. King confirmed a lot of what was spoken into my life by those aforementioned.  From a young age, I recall being told to “never judge a book by its cover.” It aligned with Dr. King’s quote during his famous “I Have A Dream” speech in Washington, DC, in which he stated, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”  It wasn’t until my teenage years that I saw the correlation between what I had been told and Dr. King’s principles. By embracing that mindset, I began to see the impact it had on my life and the influence on the lives of others.

I recall occasions when I had to set aside my initial thoughts about a person or group of people based on their appearance: their facial features, hair, skin tone, clothing, etc.  I learned a lot about them when I did and took the time to engage them. In some cases, it was more than I initially thought; in others, there was a 180-degree difference.

Likewise, I have experienced moments in which I have been looked at awkwardly based on my appearance.  As opposed to taking offense, I allowed my character and personality to shine, resulting in a changed reaction and interaction with the individual(s).

Another principle Dr. King spoke of and lived on was the mindset of non-violence and love for others. This principle is grounded in The Word of God.

“16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your conceits. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in sight of everyone. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” –Romans 12:16-18 (AMPC)

Although he faced legal matters, incarcerations, hate, threats, and other challenges, Dr. King displayed a character that demonstrated his commitment to what he tried to get others to embrace. It was evidence of his commitment to God’s word. His exhibition of humility and commitment to non-violence taught me that although others may be rude, mean, disrespectful, hateful, and possess other negative characteristics, I don’t have to retaliate in the same manner. Instead, letting my light shine (Matthew 5:16) can have a great impact on those around me.”

Carnisia Chavers, Secretary of the Board of Directors/Social Media Coordinator for A Few Good MENtors, Inc., shares that Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy holds a profound place in my life, intertwining with my core values of equality, diversity, leadership development, mentorship, and my Christian beliefs. His principles serve as a guiding light, both personally and professionally.

In today's world, Dr. King's teachings resonate as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality. His emphasis on unity and justice inspires me to actively contribute to creating a more inclusive society. Professionally, his leadership philosophy influences my approach, emphasizing empathy, fairness, and fostering a sense of community.

Dr. King's impact is a testament to the transformative power of love, a principle that aligns with my Christian faith. His legacy motivates me to stand up against injustice and work towards a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

William Gregory Holmes, Vice-President/Mentor for A Few Good MENtors, Inc., shares, “As I think about the impact and influence of Dr. King. It is both sweet and bittersweet. Sweet in the fact that this remarkable civil rights leader and activist fought for justice for all. He championed for all people regardless of color. He left a legacy of hope and inspiration that I try to live by daily. His clear messages of inclusion for all and taking a stand for what is right still have a lasting impression on me that I try to live by and encourage others to follow. Dr. King made a lasting and impressionable impact on me because of his fight for equal rights and justice for all people.

It was bittersweet as well for me because I was a young child, five years of age, when Dr. King was assassinated. So, I was not able to fully understand the full impact of his works while he was alive. It wasn’t until I became much older that I truly understood the magnitude of his civil rights and activism works. I have adopted many of Dr. King’s principles in my everyday life. I have read his writings and books about his life. He saved so many generations because he fought for social justice. Dr. King inspired me to want to serve others and, through tireless efforts and persistent work, keep fighting for social justice and change to inspire our next generation of leaders to bring their voices to the table because together, we are stronger when we work together as one.”

“That is how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy impacted me!”

BRIDGE BUILDERS

Acts of Kindness and Peace

In this week’s Bridge Builders segment, let's shine a light on some fantastic community initiatives and grassroots movements that champion the causes of nonviolence and unity in diverse urban neighborhoods. These organizations are not just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk when it comes to making our communities safer and more harmonious.

First, let’s talk about an inspiring campaign in Virginia Beach called Season For Nonviolence. This group is all about embracing nonviolence as a way of life, using it as a tool to transform and empower lives. Inspired by the memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Season For Nonviolence runs annually from January 30 through April 4. Starting in 1998, this campaign has grown into an international movement, focusing on education and action to understand the power of peace. It's a reminder that the qualities of wisdom, composure, discipline, dedication, and perseverance, exemplified by Gandhi and Dr. King, are key in teaching us the strength of nonviolence. The Season For Nonviolence engages communities in activities promoting peace and prosperity, embodying the belief that nonviolence is mightier than any weapon. Check them out on Facebook at Season4Nonviolence for more information and to get involved.

Another standout organization is the Georgia Coalition for Safe Communities. This coalition is a dynamic group of advocates from various organizations across Georgia, united in their mission to advance gun violence research and promote common-sense policies for violence prevention. What sets them apart is their commitment to engaging in tough conversations about gun violence and its impact on community health. They're motivated to encourage research, improve safety, and enhance the quality of life for all Georgians, advocating for a future without the threat of violence. To learn more about their work or to join their cause, visit www.safegeorgia.org/about.

These organizations are just a couple of examples of the many groups out there making real strides in promoting nonviolence and unity. Their efforts remind us that change starts at the grassroots level and that each of us has a role to play in building a more peaceful and united community.

Let's take inspiration from these organizations and ask ourselves: What can we do in our neighborhoods to foster peace and unity? Sometimes, it’s the smallest actions that can spark the biggest changes.

Let’s keep building those bridges and spreading the message of peace and unity in our communities.

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

This week, engage in acts of kindness and peace in your local community. Whether volunteering, participating in a community dialogue, or simply offering support to a neighbor, each action contributes to a culture of nonviolence and understanding.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This profound quote reminds us of the power of love and light in overcoming darkness and hate.

• Big news from A Few Good MENtors, Inc.! We're thrilled to announce that we are now accepting applications for mentors and mentees in our Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Atlanta Chapters. This is your chance to either make a significant difference in someone's life or receive guidance and support that can set you on a path to success.

• Also, mark your calendars! Our next New Mentor Training (NMT) session is scheduled to kick off on 3/23/2024. This year, we're all about "breakthrough" at AFGM. Our ambitious goal for 2024 is "10 for 10 in 24" – we aim to grow our community by ten mentors and mentees each. It's a big goal, but we can make it happen together. Let's go!

• Not in a position to volunteer? No worries; there's still a way to contribute. Consider making a donation to AFGM. Your support is invaluable in helping us continue our work and keep our organization going strong. Every little bit helps us in our mission to mentor, guide, and positively impact lives in our communities.

Together, we can make 2024 a year of breakthroughs and growth. Join us in our journey to enrich lives, one mentor-mentee pair at a time.

Looking forward to seeing our AFGM family grow!

Looking For Some Cool AFGM Gear - Click the image below!

We have plenty of items to choose from, and a portion of each purchase goes directly back to our program.

Wrapping Up & Looking Ahead

That's a wrap on this edition of the G.R.O.W. newsletter! Sharing these stories, insights, and opportunities with you has been amazing. As we continue to navigate the twists and turns of this year, remember to embrace every moment and opportunity for growth.

Don't forget that our next issue, coming out on 1/23/2024, will be a good one. We're diving into the world of good manners and exhibiting good behavior. In a time where courtesy and respect seem to be taking a backseat, we'll explore why these timeless values still matter and how they can positively impact our daily interactions and relationships.

So, stay tuned for some practical tips, thoughtful reflections, and maybe even a few fun surprises along the way. Until then, keep spreading kindness and making a difference in your own unique way.

Stay awesome,

Michael R. Morgan

Publisher of G.R.O.W. and CEO/Founder of A Few Good MENtors, Inc.