That's a rap

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airman 1st Class Dowayne Colquitt, from the 7th Communications Squadron, raps his poetry during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. luncheon here, Jan. 16. The event was held to honor the legacy of Dr. King and his dream. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephen Reyes)

Poetry

Momento

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Staff Sgt. Sparkle Haley presents a memento to Lieutenant Colonel Tony Marlowe, the guest speaker during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. luncheon here, Jan. 16. The award was given by the Dyess African American Heritage Committee to Colonel Marlowe in appreciation for being the guest speaker. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephen Reyes)

Dyess Airmen honor, celebrate civil rights leader

Published Jan. 21, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Tarelle Walker
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The African American Heritage Committee held the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon at the Heritage Club Jan. 16.

Airmen all over base came out to participate in the event, offering their support and talents in the form of poetry, song, and dance.

Guest speaker, Lt. Col.Tony Marlowe, commander of the 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron, delivered a message entitled "Looking Back, but Moving Forward."

"Colonel Marlowe talked about our theme which deals with looking back on our past remembering what happened, but also moving forward to see what positive things we as a people, or a nation, can continue to strive toward," said Staff Sgt. Sparkle Haley, African American Heritage Committee president.

During his lifetime, Dr. King led countless marches and delivered a number of speeches, including the well known "I Have a Dream" speech, with the intent of gaining equal rights for African Americans. Besides his fight for equality, he is also remembered for encouraging a peaceful approach to overcoming obstacles that plagued the black community.

"To me, Martin Luther King Day represents hope," said Sergeant Haley. "Not just for African Americans, but for mankind. His whole message was that everyone, of all colors, should come together as one. If he were alive today, I would hope would be proud of how far we've come."

Many people view Martin Luther King Day as just another day off of work, but in reality, the significance is much greater. The day, Jan. 19, was set aside to remember and honor a major force behind America's civil rights movement. He was a man who had a dream that continues to shape the very lives that we live today.