Observance honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy
Master Sgt. Mark Jordan, 101st BSB, speaks about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Jan. 23 Martin Luther King Jr. Observance at Riley’s Conference Center.
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Story by: Calun Reece
1ST INF. DIV. POST
"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was, is, and perhaps always will be the beacon of hope for what is good in humanity," said Master Sgt. Mark Jordan, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.
Jordan was the guest speaker at an observance in tribute to the life of King Jan. 23 at Riley's Conference Center.
The theme for the observance was "Remember, Celebrate, Act: A Day On, Not a Day Off!"
King was an American civil rights activist during the 1960s. He was assassinated in 1968 for his leadership in the movement to end racial segregation through peaceful, non-violent protests.
Jordan credited King for following his dreams for justice despite obstacles and persecution; Jordan encouraged attendees to do the same.
"We must understand the obstacles that will come, they are there to help us birth a dream," Jordan said. "Adversity creates an environment to overcome."
Dare to dream and live beyond expectations, he added.
"Stop looking at where you are and start looking at where you can be," Jordan said. "I know where I want to be; I want to be where Dr. King was at along with thousands of others who … conceptualized a dream."
It was the dream of equality, Jordan explained.
Jordan also has played a role in civil rights leadership. He is a recipient of the 2011 NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award for his role in promoting civil rights and inclusion.
Jordan has served in the Army since 1986.
"(Jordan) is very knowledgeable," said Sgt. Maj. Wendell Franklin, operations, 1st Inf. Div. "He started all the way back from the history all the way (to) today."
Franklin said it was a great observance with a fantastic turnout.
"It was my first time coming, and it was very nice. I was very impressed," said Jean Fletcher, visual marketing manager, The Exchange.
The message was very meaningful, she added.
"All in all it was a very good event," Fletcher said.