From left are Pastor Oliver Buie, Pastor James Jones, Pastor Mary S. Minor, Pastor Thembekila Coleman-Smart, Pastor William D. Smart, and Pastor Eddie Anderson. (Ian Foxx)

Demonstrating the current relevancy of phrases uttered decades ago, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California presented “The Seven Last Words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” at its Founders Day observance on Jan. 5.

The afternoon service was organized by Pastor William D. Smart, SCLC-SC president/CEO, and Pastor Thembekila Coleman-Smart, executive director of the Women of SCLC-SC.   Held at Gethsemane Christian Love M.B. Church in South L.A., the worship featured seven ministers expounding on statements made by the renowned civil rights leader.  Also, the program included musical selections by Melida Skeete Smith, Renee Fisher Mims, and Imani Smith.

The Rev. Eddie Anderson, pastor of McCarty Memorial Christian Church, served as emcee and preceded the “Seven Last Words” sermonettes by explaining “why Martin’s words are needed now.” In his remarks, Anderson noted that King’s words are not only inspirational, but also applicable to today’s social justice causes.

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Illuminating King’s statement that “only when it’s dark enough can you see the stars,” the Rev. Dr. Mary S. Minor, pastor of Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church, gave the audience timely advice.  She recommended, “Don’t stare at the wrong stars.  Remember, Jesus is the true star. Sometimes you have to go through the darkness to find the light of Christ.”

All program participants were welcomed by Bishop Byron Smith Sr., 3rd from left, host pastor of Gethsemane Love Missionary Baptist Church. (Ian Foxx)

Pastor Oliver Buie of Bell-Vue Community Presbyterian Church addressed King’s words, ‘I have looked over and I have seen the promised land.” Buie declared, “All of us have work to do because the promised land is what can be. Remember God’s promises!”

Similar exhortations were expressed by Minister Adjoa Jones of Christ Liberation Ministries, who shared insight on King’s sentence, “We’ve got some difficult days ahead.”  Jones stressed, “These types of days are not new to us. Take action, do God’s will and see the evidence of God’s presence in your life.”

Also, the Rev. Donald Wilson, associate minister at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, spoke on, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord,” and Pastor James Thomas of Living Word Church preached about, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Pastor Cue Jn-Marie of The Church without Walls expanded on King’s words, “I fear I am integrating my people into a burning house.”

Bishop Byron Smith, Sr., pastor of Gethsemane Christian Love, concluded the service by outlining King’s statement, “If you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

Other program participants included Pastor James Jones of Gangsters for Christ, Pastor Jonathan Mosley of National Action Network, Minister Lovell Cartwight of Christ Liberation Ministries, and Patsy Ostroy of Beloved Community.