South Coast Interfaith Council on Remembering the Legacy of Martin Luther Day- January 16, 2022

Organized by the South Coast Interfaith Council, Remembering the Legacy of Martin Luther King Day, interfaith, religious leaders and activists came together to celebrate diversity and commonalities. 

The program started with music from Unitarian Church Choir playing “We shall overcome”

Milia Islam Majid started by saying what MLK conveyed us many years ago is “ Too many people are religious in creed but few in deed” Millia asked how we as interfaith leaders are realizing his dream by putting words into action. Millia thanked many sponsors along with Pacifica Institute. Then came music by three  wonderful musicians “Keep on Working, Keep on Talking, You are not going to turn me around”

Millia introduced Tahil Sharma, Dr Karen Quintiliani, Michele Dobson, Jihat Safir moderated by Dr Sara Deen. Before the panel, an indigenous prayer was offered for the MLK day by Chief Daniel Ramos who said “Lets forgive the unforgiveable” and that “we are safe when we are all safe”

Dr Deen proposed to reach out to our Jewish friends in our neighborhood due to the unfortunate hostage taking in Texas and opened the floor to the speakers by a wise saying of Martin Luther King which said “Men often hate each other because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they can not communicate; they can not communicate because they are separated.”

Four panelists came to the conclusion of “Audacious dialog may be the gateway to audacious love.” Michelle pointed out that it is important to press on and continue the good work done by everyone. Panelists also mentioned the ideas put forward by Gandhi, Malcolm X and Dr Ikeda. 

Imam Saafir added “We stand on the shoulder of others like Dr. King and Malcolm X. ……..interdependent not independent.”