Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event at San Francisco Hilton puts sell outs on notice in SF

The breakfast held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. drew a large crowd of Blacks and others. Present were folks from all over the Bay Area - a diverse group and all gathered to honor one to the greatest Black leaders of our time.

Minister Christopher Muhammad took the opportunity to address the audience and remind them about the "true" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We cannot feel good when our children and others are suffering in the Bayview. We cannot rest while the Black population is fading away and soon there will be but a few hundred left in San Francisco from the high forty percent of the total population - years ago.

We cannot compromise and divide the community and think all is well.

There are Blacks that for a few crumbs of bread - will sell their mothers. This must STOP at once - and if it does not stop - the Blacks that once had a say in San Francisco will have nothing but a shadow of their poor existence.

Mr. Millard Larkin the main Master of Ceremonies - had a change of heart and permitted some bold speakers - to address the gathering.

Of course without doubt Minister Christopher Muhammad set the tone. In fact it was a clarion call for down right atonement - reminding those of the noble deeds of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. then asking this City and the Blacks what have they done to bring true justice to the Blacks and and those around them.

The deft silence and the throbbing of the hearts of the many gathered - the many politicians looking with a stark cold stare - said it all. There is much to be done - and much to attain and all of this must in attained in an environment that is JUST and FAIR.

Pastor Aurelious Walker thought he could make an impression - he put his foot in his mouth - and made a fool of himself. His comment were drab and his attempt to pray - fell on deaf ears.

Many come of this Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday to pay lip service but daily in our lives - if we understand what Dr. Martin Luther King stood for - we all could make a big difference and what is more make this world a better place.

The 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Labor and Community Breakfast as the Event was titled had Mr. Stephen Coyle the Chief Executive Officer of the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust as the Key Note Speaker.

Mr. Coyle who is playing a key role in the building of homes for the poor in New Orleans has his sights and those of this Nation - in the right direction.

His analysis of the money laundering and the bonuses received by many Chief Executive Officers who have failed their companies - is a reflection of how our Nation has failed miserably when it comes to sound Transparency and Fiscal Accountability.

There is no doubt that we are heading for a Recession - and that world wide repercussions of this fact have been seen clearly in the last six months. Of course the Federal Reserve will print more paper money to create a false sense of security.

The paper dollar with no gold backing is worth less then 7 cents. People listen carefully when the Chairman of the Reserve Bank speaks - but those pretending to act in such a manner - are the very ones that aid in the policy making - to make the poor - poorer.

About three percent of the people in this Nation control over sixty percent of the Nations wealth.

But, things are changing world wide - and some billionaires and many of them are from other countries. The Global Fiscal Picture is changing - huge steel corporations, car manufacturing, Solar Panels, Software, and so on are now in the hands of companies - outside the United States.

There are many Blacks that have moved outside the States - and are doing well. Just like Jazz is doing well in Europe and elsewhere.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. embraced Mohandas Gandhi and in a way embraced humanity world wide. Indeed all over the world - people from all walks of life admire Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. a Black Baptist Minister - who has done us all - proud.

It is time for Blacks to look at the universal picture and contribute their talents world wide.

America has failed Blacks and set the Civil Rights back - and in San Francisco the picture of blatant discrimination is on the rise.

Blacks today and especially poor Blacks are worse off today - then they were ten years ago.

Mayor Gavin Newsom was seen for a brief moment at the event and then disappeared. I wonder why?

Mr. Millard Larkin will take flack for calling a spade a spade and for permitting some speakers to tell the TRUTH. The truth is not always a joyful experience - much of it hurts - because it speaks to the heart and soul.

Francisco Da Costa
Director
Environmental Justice Advocacy

P.S. At the time I wanted to write this article yesterday - IndyMedia was down. I am glad it is up and running now.