Swinton talk commemorates Martin Luther King, Jr., motivates employees
“Has anyone thought about why Martin Luther King, Jr. was in Memphis when he was assassinated?” Derius Swinton asked Laboratory employees during a Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration at the Physics Building Auditorium Thursday morning. “He was there to support garbage workers who were being treated unfairly!”
Swinton used this little-known piece of information to demonstrate that Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life to do what was “right” instead of simply what was “best” for him. These garbage workers had nothing to do with racial discrimination, but King saw “an injustice as an injustice as an injustice,” and he went to stand with them and help them even though he knew his life was in danger, said Swinton.
“But this talk is not about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, it is about you and how you can be the difference. What will be your legacy?” asked Swinton.
He explained that we can reach a point of wisdom that allows us to do what is right by seeking knowledge about people who are unlike us. And he emphasized the importance of truth and facts. He also encouraged the development of a greater understanding about each other and how we relate to each other. Swinton encouraged the audience to reach out to co-workers and others who seem different to learn about the commonalities everyone has with each other.
Finally, Swinton presented his “D’s to make a Difference.” These D’s are desire, dedication, determination, discipline, and drive.
In order to make a difference and realize a dream, people must have the desire to improve or make a change. They must dedicate themselves to this cause and understand their strengths and weaknesses. People also must possess determination; they may get tired and slow down, but they don’t give up, Swinton explained. Discipline also is necessary to realize a dream, and drive is important to keep moving forward.
Swinton pointed out that when a car is turned on and put into drive it moves forward. “That is what drive does for you, it keeps you moving forward and thinking forward,” he said.
The talk was part of the Lab’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration and was sponsored by the African American Diversity Working Group, Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (HR-OEOD), and the Diversity/Affirmative Action Board (DAAB). Swinton also led a workshop Thursday afternoon called “Creating a safe, healthy, and productive lifestyle and work environment.”
