Chris Rael CHURCH OF BETTY

I remember the first year we celebrated MLK's birthday in school: 1970 (I was 9). Most of my schoolmates were white but our principal was black, unusual at that time in suburban Maryland. I perceived MLK as a great man then & feel his impact now. He redefined the standards of how we treat each other. We rarely measure up to them, but his principles shine like a beacon in front of us. We try to move toward the light. Sometimes we reach it & sometimes we don't, but this is the man who flipped the switch. Respect & gratitude, Dr. King.