A Morning of Inspiration: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Lynda Blackmon Lowery

This Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my daughter Christa and I had the privilege of attending the Centerville Washington Diversity Council (CWDC) — https://cwtdiversity.org — 23rd Annual Breakfast, where we were deeply moved by the words of keynote speaker Lynda Blackmon Lowery, an author, mental health advocate, and lifelong Human Rights activist.

From the moment she took the stage, Lowery captivated us with her storytelling seamlessly weaving humor, history, and raw emotion as she recounted her journey as the youngest participant in the historic 1965 Selma Voting Rights March. Her presence was magnetic, drawing us in with laughter at her childhood misconceptions and bringing us to tears as she painted vivid images of the challenges she endured during the Civil Rights Movement.

One of the most touching moments she shared was her first encounter with Dr. King. As a child, she had been excited to attend a gathering where she was told she would meet King only to discover upon arrival that this King was not the heroic Husky from her favorite television show! Though initially disappointed, she sat and listened to Dr. King’s powerful words. It was on that day that she made a decision that would change the course of her life—to become an active part of the Civil Rights Movement.

The phrase that resonated with her then, and which she shared with us during the breakfast, was Dr. King’s powerful call to action: “Steady Loving Confrontation.”

These three words encapsulate the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, a commitment to challenging injustice with unwavering resolve, yet always grounded in love and dignity.

Lynda Blackmon Lowery’s journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring power of standing for what is right. If you ever have the opportunity to hear her speak, I encourage you to do so. My daughter and I left the event feeling incredibly grateful—not only for the chance to witness her wisdom firsthand— but for the reminder that the fight for justice is ongoing.

Thank you, Lynda Blackmon Lowery, for sharing your experiences, your wisdom, and your continued dedication.

Photograph is from her biography that was supplied by the Centerville Washington Diversity Council (CWDC) — https://cwtdiversity.org — 23rd Annual Breakfast publication.