Rev. Anderson calls community to action in defense of Dr. King’s dream
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Speak out against injustice. Hold leaders accountable. Foster true unity. Invest in the next generation. These were the challenges delivered to the crowd at Second Missionary Baptist Church on Jan. 19.
The annual Community Ecumenical Service to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took place in that church, and those in attendance were called to action in a way that cannot be ignored. While there was singing and recitations of Dr. King’s words, it was the blistering address from Rev. Dr. Lonnie Anderson of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church that commanded the crowd’s attention.
“Dr. King illuminated a path of non-violence and moral courage that shook the foundation of this world,” said Anderson. “Yet, as we celebrate these milestones, we must confront a stark reality that the struggle is far from over. For too many, the promise of freedom and equality remain unfinished, unfulfilled, and undetermined.
“People of color still face barriers to opportunities and justice. The disenfranchised, the poor, the powerless, the persecuted, carry the weight of a systematic inequality that stripped them of dignity and hope. Don’t fool yourself. The challenges Dr. Martin Luther King faced in the civil rights movement -- systematic racism, economic inequality and the efforts to suppress social progress -- remain present today. New faces, same hate.”
Citing the growing injustices emanating from the highest seat of power and the silence from those who would be considered allies of the cause of equality, Dr. Anderson spared no one with his words.
“I wonder what Dr. King would say if he could see the state of this country right now,” said Anderson. “What would be his thoughts? What would he articulate? What would be his emphasis? What would he verbalize? What would he concentrate on?
“I wonder what Dr. King would say about a president who is arrogant, dishonest, cruel, selfish, divisive, reckless, corrupt, indifferent, hostile and fearmongering. I wonder, what would he say about a leader who mocks the marginalized, dismisses the suffering of African Americans, and celebrates a version of American history that only includes a captivated crowd; a president who weaponized nostalgia to excuse injustice, glorifies oppression disguised as law and order, punishes those who challenge equality, and wields power like a bully?
“I wonder, what would he say about a Congress that’s scared of him, too scared to speak out for their own political capital? I wonder what Dr. King would say about a man whose ambition for personal gain eclipses any sense of justice, morality, or accountability, and whose very actions seem designed to undermine truth and dignity and the progress of a people who built this nation despite centuries of oppression.
“Dr. King, you’ve seen George Wallace, Joe T. Smitherman, Lester Maddox, men who fought openly against justice, against equality, against your dream. But tell me, what would you say about something like this? What would you say, Dr. King, to this MAGA movement? I think you would ask us this question, ‘Make America great again for who?’”
Had any local public officials attended the service, as they typically have in past years, they would have had trouble sitting comfortably. But only Mayor Tyler Moore was present to receive the message. And he could be seen clapping to show support as Dr. Anderson rallied the crowd.
“Make America Great Again does not ask Black America what great means, because it already knows the answer,” said Anderson. “What makes America great again? Are you talking about making it equal?
“Great to us would mean equal protection under the law, not selective enforcement. Great for us would mean history taught honestly, not censored to protect a fragile myth. Great for us would mean economic opportunity unchained for racial barriers that were deliberately constructed over the centuries.
“Instead, MAGA claims to be a version of America where Black advancement is treated as a threat and Black truth is treated as an attack. Speak about it, and you’re an angry Black man.
“Let’s be honest. You demand sympathy for imagined losses while dismissing documented harm. It frames diversity as opposition, equality as threat, and truth as indoctrination. From an African American standpoint, is not about making America great. It’s about making America forget.”
The crowd’s cheering often caused Dr. Anderson to pause, and many rose to their feet to show their approval and their passion. The crowd’s energy fed Anderson, and he continued to call out people who purport to be allies in the cause for equality and yet do not act when the opportunity arises.
“Dr. King famously stated, ‘In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends,’” said Anderson. “This powerful declaration underscores the profound disappointment and harm caused by the inaction of those who claim to stand for justice but yet won’t stand up and speak out for justice.
“King believed that neutrality in the face of oppression is not a failure to act, but an unspoken endorsement of injustice. He argued that silence from our allies, those with the ability to speak up or intervene, perpetuates a system of inequality and emboldens oppression. I don’t know about you, but I want to hear those who are in power. I want to see some news clips. I want to hear something on the radio. I want to see something on TV. I want to know, where do you stand?
“Friendship and solidarity require moral courage, the willingness to risk comfort and convenience to stand against wrong. Dr. King’s message serves as a call to action, urging individuals to confront injustice boldly, even when doing so may be challenging or unpopular, and as we look at the future, let us craft a comprehensive, compassionate game plan for educating ourselves and our children on the beauty and the brilliance of who we are.”
To achieve the goals set forth by Dr. King and to rectify the current situation in which history is being rewritten, violence against citizens is ignored or wrongly justified, and voters are disenfranchised, Anderson called the crowd to action with four challenges.
“No. 1, I challenge us as we leave here to speak out against injustice,” said Anderson. “Remaining silent in the face of hope is complicity, and we must have the courage to raise our voices, even when it’s uncomfortable or intervening.
“No. 2, hold leaders accountable. Demand integrity, empathy, and action from those in positions of power. The democracy is only strong as its people will demand justice.
“No. 3, foster true unity. Stand firm against the forces that seek to divide and diminish us. Unity is not uniformity. It is a celebration of our differences and strengths rather than threats.
“No. 4, invest in the next generation. Equip our children with knowledge, empathy, and continue to fight for justice. Tell our children. ‘You come from kings and queens. You come from scientists and architects.’”
The ecumenical service was co-sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Omicron Phi Omega Chapter, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Nu Mu Nu Chapter. Tiffany Parks served as mistress of ceremony. Minister Keith Parker gave the invocation and a scripture reading.
Boy Scout Troop 581 presented the colors, and Cynthia Hendricks and Willie Stroman welcomed those in attendance. Music was provided by De’Andra McClung and Lisa Weaver.
A presentation recounting the words of Dr. King was given by the students of the Acacia Academy, and closing remarks were given by Clarence Grier and Anita Upchurch. An affirmation of faith was presented by members of nine community sororities and fraternities.
Following is the full text of Rev. Dr. Anderson’s address. The audio of the speech is also available exclusively on the Lantern's Substack page.
We gather to honor the life and legacy and light of Dr Martin Luther King, and his name echoes through the annals of history; a beacon for those who dare to dream of a brighter, bolder and better world. But let us not confine Dr. King to the safety of statues or the pages of history books. His legacy is a cult of courage, a challenge to each of us to continue the labor of love, leadership, and justice he so valiantly undertook.
We are living in some uncertain moments at this time. Today marks the beginning of an old, yet new, era. For many of us, it’s a time of reflection, renewal, a resolute commitment to the principles that Dr. King stood for.
Dr. King’s accomplishments are as towering as they are transformative. He did not merely speak of dreams. He shaped and shared them. He did not merely preach love. He practiced it with perseverance in the face of hatred, through his leadership in a Montgomery boycott, his courageous march in Selma, and his eloquent speech at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Dr. King illuminated a path of non-violence and moral courage that shook the foundation of this world. Yet, as we celebrate these milestones, we must confront a stark reality that the struggle is far from over. For too many, the promise of freedom and equality remain unfinished, unfulfilled, and undetermined.
People of color still face barriers to opportunities and justice. The disenfranchised, the poor, the powerless, the persecuted, carry the weight of a systematic inequality that stripped them of dignity and hope. Don’t fool yourself. The challenges Dr. Martin Luther King faced in the civil rights movement -- systematic racism, economic inequality and the efforts to suppress social progress -- remain present today. New faces, same hate.
One of the strengths that I most admire about Dr. King was his ability to speak truth to power. He called it out and he called it by name. He wasn’t scared to call a spade a spade, and he wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers. And I believe the clergy and community leaders and organizational leaders, we can’t afford to lose our voice. We must speak truth to power and call it what it is.
I wonder what Dr. King would say if he could see the state of this country right now. What would be his thoughts? What would he articulate? What would be his emphasis? What would he verbalize? What would he concentrate on?
I wonder what Dr. King would say about a president who is arrogant, dishonest, cruel, selfish, divisive, reckless, corrupt, indifferent, hostile and fearmongering. I wonder, what would he say about a leader who mocks the marginalized, dismisses the suffering of African Americans, and celebrates a version of American history that only includes a captivated crowd; a president who weaponized nostalgia to excuse injustice, glorifies oppression disguised as law and order, punishes those who challenge equality, and wields power like a bully?
I wonder, what would he say about a Congress that’s scared of him, too scared to speak out for their own political capital? I wonder what Dr. King would say about a man whose ambition for personal gain eclipses any sense of justice, morality, or accountability, and whose very actions seem designed to undermine truth and dignity and the progress of a people who built this nation despite centuries of oppression.
Dr. King, you’ve seen George Wallace, Joe T. Smitherman, Lester Maddox, men who fought openly against justice, against equality, against your dream. But tell me, what would you say about something like this? What would you say, Dr. King, to this MAGA movement? I think you would ask us this question, ‘Make America great again for who?’
For Black people in this country, greatness has almost never meant freedom without qualification, citizenship without fear, or prosperity without exclusion. When MAGA invokes a return to a better America, it’s invoking an era when Black voices were suppressed and Black progress was tolerated only if it did not challenge the white power structure at hand.
It’s a dog whistle. It’s an old familiar sound for some of us. You weaponized longing for a past that was orderly, only because justice was enforced by law, violence, and silence for African Americans. The past was not great. It was brutal. It was segregated. It was hostile. It was painful. It was hard. It was painful. It was harsh. It was dehumanizing. It was terror. It was threat. It was fear. It was shame.
Make America Great Again does not ask Black America what great means, because it already knows the answer. What makes America great again? Are you talking about making it equal?
Great to us would mean equal protection under the law, not selective enforcement. Great for us would mean history taught honestly, not censored to protect a fragile myth. Great for us would mean economic opportunity unchained for racial barriers that were deliberately constructed over the centuries.
Instead, MAGA claims to be a version of America where Black advancement is treated as a threat and Black truth is treated as an attack. Speak about it, and you’re an angry Black man.
Let’s be honest. You demand sympathy for imagined losses while dismissing documented harm. It frames diversity as opposition, equality as threat, and truth as indoctrination. From an African American standpoint, is not about making America great. It’s about making America forget.
It’s making America comfortable again for those who never had to question their place in this society, comfortable ignoring police brutality, comfortable ignoring voter suppression, comfortable ignoring wealth gaps created by redlining, exclusion from GI bills and discriminatory lending, comfortable pretending those wounds that happened in the past somehow healed overnight.
And to speak out about it you’re labeled as an angry person. When Black America refuses that comfort, we vote, protest, teach, write, organize, speak truth, and we are told we are divisive, ungrateful, or dangerous, yet the real divisions come from a movement that demands unity without justice and patriotism without honesty.
Unity built on silence is nothing. It’s not unity. It’s submission. So, when MAGA asks to make America great again. African Americans hear something very different.
We have already paid the cost for that version of greatness with our labor, our lives, and our history. We are not interested in going back to someone else’s comfort. We are fighting forward toward greatness that has never fully existed, one rooted in truth, accountability and shared with dignity. That is precisely what some fear.
I wonder what Dr. King would say about this administration’s obsession to rewrite our history. What we are witnessing is not a debate or policy. It is a deliberate system built to whitewash American history, a race resistance in leadership to soften the brutal truth of our ancestors’ struggle.
Let me be clear. It is not ignorance. It is not deception. It is deception by design. It’s not education. It’s deception designed to make some feel innocent while denying the pain and the brilliance and the contributions of everyone who lives in this country. I wonder, Dr. King, what would you say?
I wonder, because once you teach Black history, I’m beginning to see what you’re afraid of, because once you teach Black history and understand that we rebuilt this nation after the Civil War, expanded democracy during Reconstruction, organized labor, and forced the nation to live up to its own doggone constitution. That’s real Black history.
When you teach real Black history, the MAGA myth collapses; the lie that America was always fair, the lie that inequality is accidental, the lie that those demanded justice are asking for too much. When you really teach that we were black queens, we were not savages. We were industrious. We were builders of this nation.
By confining Black history to a narrow, disconnected story of slavery, while burying honest discussions of systematic racism, Jim Crowism, racial terror, redlining, mass incarceration and voter suppression, this system locks Black people into permanent historical confinement.
I tell my children and I tell my grandchildren, we were more than slaves. When you rewrite the history book, please take us to before slavery. I noticed you didn’t take slavery out of your history. An informed public would expose that reality. So, history is rewritten. This is not about protecting children, it’s about protecting power. It’s not a warning for the future. It’s a warning for right now.
The personalities have changed, but the struggle for equality and unity endures, requiring collective villages and commitment to the ideas Dr. King so passionately championed. I pray that this nation’s conscience will not solely rest in the thinking of one culture or the interest of one political group. My hope, like Dr. King’s hope, rests in God. It is through faith that we find the courage to persist, the strength to endure, and the vision to build a better and brighter tomorrow.
Dr. King famously stated, ‘In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.’ This powerful declaration underscores the profound disappointment and harm caused by the inaction of those who claim to stand for justice but yet won’t stand up and speak out for justice.
King believed that neutrality in the face of oppression is not a failure to act, but an unspoken endorsement of injustice. He argued that silence from our allies, those with the ability to speak up or intervene, perpetuates a system of inequality and emboldens oppression. I don’t know about you, but I want to hear those who are in power. I want to see some news clips. I want to hear something on the radio. I want to see something on TV. I want to know, where do you stand?
Friendship and solidarity require moral courage, the willingness to risk comfort and convenience to stand against wrong. Dr. King’s message serves as a call to action, urging individuals to confront injustice boldly, even when doing so may be challenging or unpopular, and as we look at the future, let us craft a comprehensive, compassionate game plan for educating ourselves and our children on the beauty and the brilliance of who we are.
I’m sorry. I’m not scared of that word diversity, because diversity is what makes the world go around. It doesn’t always have to be one-sided. This world is too big for one culture to determine what is right and what is wrong. Diversity should never be seen as a threatening word, but as a testament to the tapestry of nationalities, cultures, and history that enrich our shared human experience.
Dr. King once said, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’ But arcs do not bend themselves. They require hands. Our hands are pulled towards righteousness. If Dr. King was here with us in 2026, he would undoubtedly issue us challenges that demand our courage, compassion and commitment for justice. I have four.
No. 1, I challenge us as we leave here to speak out against injustice. Remaining silent in the face of hope is complicity, and we must have the courage to raise our voices, even when it’s uncomfortable or intervening.
No. 2, hold leaders accountable. Demand integrity, empathy, and action from those in positions of power. The democracy is only strong as its people will demand justice.
No. 3, foster true unity. Stand firm against the forces that seek to divide and diminish us. Unity is not uniformity. It is a celebration of our differences and strengths rather than threats.
No. 4, invest in the next generation. Equip our children with knowledge, empathy, and continue to fight for justice. Tell our children. ‘You come from kings and queens. You come from scientists and architects.’
Dr. King’s dream flourishes in each of us who dared to believe it. To those who would turn us back, we’re watching you. We’re resisting you, and we are marching forward, undaunted, undeterred. And to Dr. King himself, we say, ‘We heard you. We honor you, and we will not rest until your dream is made real.’ May we walk together, hand in hand, as Dr. King envisioned, towards justice, towards love, toward the beloved community.