Paterson activist reflects on King’s legacy | Paterson Times Paterson Times

Paterson activist reflects on King’s legacy

By Corey Teague
Published: April 5, 2018

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50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. We all know the infamous Mountaintop speech delivered in a Memphis church the day before his death. But I want to point out a particular line in Dr. King’s last sermon which read: “I’m delighted to see each of you here tonight in spite of a storm warning…”

I’m sure it was probably raining naturally that night. But Dr. King saw another storm coming. He knew that his activism would soon be the cause of his demise. Still he kept going. To him, it wasn’t untimely. He knew the ultimate sacrifice he would have to pay soon for stirring the pot on a national level. He kept going. He knew that J. Edgar Hoover wanted to get rid of him. He kept going. He knew that the Klu Klux Klan wanted to get rid of him. He kept going.

He knew that the mafia, which controlled the Teamsters who were impacted by the garbage strikes wanted to get rid of him. He kept going. He knew a storm was brewing. But Dr. King wasn’t worried because he had already been granted a glimpse into the beauty and splendor of the place where he would spend eternity. He had the foresight to know that his work would not be in vain. He had the knowledge to know that his earthly troubles would soon be over. Dr. King had already been to the Mountaintop before the soles of his feet ever left the floor. May he Rest in Peace. May his legacy live on.

Corey L. Teague
Activist and former school board member


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