Dr. King’s Vision of the Beloved Community:
Opportunities and Challenges for Shaker Heights Moving Forward Together
A Collaboration between the City of Shaker Heights, the Shaker Heights Schools and the Shaker Library celebrating and commemorating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King’s conception of the “Beloved Community” is an oft used reference by individuals and organizations who aspire to create a more just and equitable society. What did Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community entail? What did the realization of such a community require of its members to achieve and sustain?
We invite members of the Shaker Heights community to participate in a process of examining the evolution of Dr. King’s vision during the last ten years of his life as he struggled to achieve civil and human rights for all people. To celebrate and commemorate Dr. King’s legacy, members of the Shaker Heights community are invited to
reflect on the vision and meaning of the “Beloved Community” from Dr. King’s perspective and
consider the opportunities and challenges Dr. King’s vision provides for the Shaker Heights community as we strive to move forward together at this time in our history.
To do this, we invite interested persons to make a commitment to engage in one or more of the following ways:
Listen to the following speeches delivered by Dr. King through the lens of the 5 pillars upon which his conception of the “Beloved Community” are built:
There is zero tolerance for poverty, hunger and homelessness
All forms of prejudice and discrimination are eliminated
There are international standards for quality of human life
Economic and social justice are seen as vital for a healthy society
Conflict is resolved using peaceful and non-violent means
Speeches:
"I Have A Dream" - Delivered August 28, 1963
"Beyond Vietnam: Time to Break the Silence" - April 4, 1967
Thursday January 12 at 6:30 p.m.: Attend a public reflection/talk on Dr. King’s legacy presented by Cleveland Civil Rights icon and close associate of Dr. King, the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. at the Shaker Heights High School large auditorium.
- Sunday, January 15 from 3-5 p.m.: Participate in a facilitated dialogue on our theme: “Dr. King’s Beloved Community: Opportunities and Challenges for Shaker Heights Moving Forward Together” at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Center. While not required, advanced registration is appreciated. Click here to register.
- Monday, January 16 from 12-2 p.m.: Participate in a drive-through donation drive at the Shaker Heights Middle School. For details, click here.
- MLK Learning Guide: Follow along with this interactive learning guide for a deeper understanding of
the Civil Rights Movement. Your personal copy is located here.