The L.A. Riots and the Arc of Justice

Earlier this month, Prof. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook and I had the honor and privilege of being inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College. Many things raced through my mind as we sat in the famous, historic King chapel along with the others who were being honored for our contributions to the development of Dr. King's “Beloved Community.”

On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the L.A. uprising, as well as the upcoming United Methodist General Conference, I was inspired by the setting and those around me to write about the pace of social justice—the arc of justice, some might say.  The Huffington Post published the piece, which is entitled “Morehouse, Martin and the Methodists,” and I hope you have a few minutes to read it.

As the anniversary approaches of the civil unrest following the Rodney King verdict, we realize that we have come a long but that we still have a long way to go. As a result, there are two events that Claremont is involved with to help ensure that our future is better than our past.  I hope many of you in the Southern California area will be able to attend:

L.A. Human Relations Commission Hearing: A Community Blueprint for the Next 20 Years
Tuesday, April 24 (6 – 9 p.m. at L.A. City Hall)

Claremont Lincoln University is a co-sponsor of this important public hearing, which will feature Mayor Villaraigosa.  The Commission is gathering community leaders for this hearing to examine the current conditions and priorities of Los Angeles upon the 20th Anniversary of the L.A. riots.  While I cannot attend, I encourage those of you in the Los Angeles area to go to City Hall and let your voices be heard.

Worship Service for Healing Our Communities
Sunday, April 29 (6 p.m. at Holman UMC)

Claremont alumnus Rev. Gary Williams is helping organize this worship service co-sponsored by Holman UMC, a historically African American church, and the Korean congregation of Wilshire UMC.  This special event will encourage further healing and deliverance in the community in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the L.A. uprising.  Please contact revgary@holmanumc.com for more information.