The Observer, March 3, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 19
Civil rights leader commemorates Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Fred Gray, a civil rights leader and legendary attorney, returned to Case, his alma mater, this past Monday, Feb. 27, to deliver a speech at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation.
When considering who should speak at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation, the university's Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office hoped to find a person who could connect with the audience and relay a significant and inspiring message.
This year, Gray was chosen in remembrance of the civil rights movement legends who passed away within the last year such as Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King. He was also chosen because, according to Kathryn Hall, Assistant VP of the University's Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office, "Gray is a legend, in his own right."
Gray's speech to celebrate Martin Luther King's life and contributions to social justice was held an entire month after the holiday commemorating King's birthday due to Gray's participation in the hearings to confirm Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito to the bench.
In discussing the civil rights movement, Gray recognized Martin Luther King Jr. as a great visionary and leader. Yet, he credited Rosa Parks with sparking the Montgomery bus boycott and the civil rights movement. Although others refused to give up their seats on segregated buses long before Rosa Parks, like Claudette Colvins and Mary Louise Smith, Gray, the attorney who represented both Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., attributes Parks with starting the movement which roused legislatures and judges into action.
Gray asserted that, had it not been for Parks, the world would have never been introduced to Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who was the spokesperson for the movement the day that Parks was arrested.
Though much progress has been made in the last 50 years, there are still many issues to tackle.
"We still live in a racist society. If we're not careful, we'll be returning to the past. If we lose drive, then, those who have given their life for civil rights have died in vain. While the dreamers are dead, the struggle must continue," Gray said.
However, there is hope in the future. "If change is to come, the younger generation must be willing to make an effort," Gray said. He also stated that it is necessary now to identify the problems of society, make plans to attack them, and implement their plans to achieve equality and justice.
"People don't start out being great persons, they start being people like you and people like me," Gray said. Therefore, in order to instigate change, people must use the opportunities they have to accomplish their means, because no blueprint to success or social change exists.
In closing his speech, Gray stated, "Your future is in your hands. Success will not be given to you, but you have the capacity to do whatever you want to do."
For those who missed the opportunity to attend the event, the video of this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation will be uploaded to Case's website.
