RSS
Last August, I unexpectedly lost a cherished friend, long time aide, and trusted confidante—Sonny Foster. I say, “I lost,” but Sonny’s death is not my loss alone—it’s Nebraska’s.
Sonny’s life was rich with firsts. He was the first African American elected to be student body president at Creighton University in 1973. He was the first African American elected to the Omaha Board of Education by District. He was also the first African American to run a statewide campaign in Nebraska.
I should note, however, that Sonny’s long and distinguished career in public service would be no less notable if his skin were white, purple, or polka-dot. He lived Dr. King’s dream and was not judged by the color of his skin but by the content of his character.
Dr. King also said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” Sonny personified that statement.
He served Nebraska not only by paving the way for all those who will follow him, but also by listening to the problems of every single person he met on his path. He was never concerned with what his achievements did for him, but what his achievements could do for others. And that is first and foremost what I and thousands of other Nebraskans will remember about Sonny Foster.
The Omaha World-Herald wrote, “Foster put his stamp on the political map of Nebraska by the start of the 21st Century.” Although his life was cut short by some divine plan that we must reluctantly accept, he lived with enough brilliance, loyalty, passion and perception to last two lifetimes.
When Dr. King envisioned his funeral, he didn’t want anyone to mention his Nobel Peace Prize, or 400 other awards, or where he went to school. He merely wanted someone to mention that “Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others.”
And this week as we celebrate the memory of Dr. King’s great service, I’ll also remember Sonny’s.
To serve, Dr. King said, “you only need a heart full of grace” and “a soul generated by love” and you will be great. I encourage all Nebraskans to honor this Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend by reflecting on the graceful and loving service Dr. King preached and lived, and Sonny Foster practiced.
###
Search: For Nebraskans, Speeches, Op-Eds, Columns, Nebraska Colleges and Universities