Briar Cliff holds Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

By JoANN AMMANN, Globe intern
Jan. 18, 2007

Members of the Siouxland area were invited to join in celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Jan. 15 at Briar Cliff University in Sioux CIty. The Siouxland Coalition for Cultural Awareness, Morningside College and Briar Cliff University sponsored the celebration.

For over 20 years, Briar Cliff University has had a hand in celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. This year's program included musical selections by Briar Cliff sophomore, Obadiah Tezeno, a speech by Sioux City Mayor Craig Berenstein, a keynote address from Art Silva, who is a businessman of Sioux City and also a reading of King's address, 'I've been to the Mountaintop' speech.

Berenstein reminisced on the legacy of Dr. King.

"Despite our successes, we must continue to challenge ourselves; as leaders, teachers, students and friends, to strengthen our resolve, and strengthen our desire to seek acceptance, aspects and aspirations so critical and fundamental to the quest of Dr. King," said Berenstein.

Berenstein also went on to say that we must continue to keep the legacy of Dr. King.

"We must continue to challenge ourselves to embrace the teachings, the wisdom and philosophies of Dr. King as the guiding principles in our lives," said Berenstein. "We must continue to do this quest, not just one day a year, on Dr. King's birthday, but everyday."

Art Silva, owner of Art Silva Lincoln-Mercury-Toyota-Scion and a leader in the Sioux City community, was the keynote speaker for the evening. Silva recalled his memories of Dr. King and reflected on how it impacted his life as a high school and college student, a professional and also a citizen in society.

"I was in high school from 1964-1972. It was a time of challenge, time of conflict, a time of struggle and a time of question," said Silva. "During that time, the civil rights were and continues to be our nation's struggle."

Silva continued on about how he remembered the day of King's assassination. He remembered the Thursday afternoon quite clearly, coming home from baseball practice to watch the news. Silva remembered that Walter Cronkite was only able to at first announce that King was wounded, and then later in the evening, announced the death of Dr. King.

"My first thoughts were, not again," said Silva. "We had just lost a president five years before this. That night there were riots in 60 U.S. cities."

After talking about the memories of the aftermath of King's assassination, Silva reflected on his feelings after King's death and how his teachings affected him and his professional life.

"I realized I was viewed on my merit, contributions and character. King gave me a renewed strength and a renewed faith that I am somebody," Silva said.

Silva finished his address with a famous quote of Dr. Kings and his own personal reflection of the day. "'Our lives begin and end the day we fall silent about things that matter,' according to Dr. King, today we live in a nation that is strong because of Dr. King's work," said Silva.

Obadiah Tezeno of Lake Charles, La., enjoyed his opportunity to share his musical talents and to be a part of the celebration.

"I agreed to do this in order to do my part and help keep the vision of Dr. King alive. We don't do much, this is the one time in the year that we come together to celebrate his dreams and legacy and life," said Tezeno. "I think it was great to see all the people come and join us to celebrate Dr. King. He was a man of vision and legacy."

Sister Renae Hohensee, full time student at Briar Cliff, was also pleased with the event.

"I remember Dr. King and the impact of his life on our country. My heart was so broken when he was assassinated and I remember the fear in the country after it happened," said Sister Renae. "It was all ultimately about hope and to work together as a country to bring about peace and a harmonious future. Tonight was all just very moving for me."

Kendra Homan, of St. Joseph's Parish in Le Mars and senior at BCU, was also glad that she had the opportunity to attend the event.

"I wanted to be able to help celebrate the day," said Homan. "Martin Luther King, Jr. was an inspiring leader. Hearing the speakers tonight went to show how he affected so many in his lifetime and also how he was continuing to affect us today."