“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, LMM Community Engagement Coordinator Gloria Craig recently facilitated the Protest History: Riots, Marches & Movements Lunch & Learn for LMM staff. This event focused on protesting efforts and highlighted significant riots, marches and movements throughout US history, including local movements that happened in Northeast Ohio.
During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, Cleveland’s Hough and Glenville neighborhoods were home to their own events of civil unrest. This time period brought upon tension, along with motivation to fight for change. Following the Hough Uprising of 1966, LMM’s founder, Rev. Richard E. Sering, traveled from St. Louis to Cleveland to work alongside local community activists and religious leaders to take action in addressing racial tension and civil unrest in the area, eventually resulting in the birth of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry in 1969.
During the Lunch & Learn, many LMM staff members reflected on their proximity to the events that happened in Hough and Glenville and shared thoughts and feelings that they experienced during those moments. We are grateful to be able to reflect on our history as a nation and as an agency, and to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King with staff!
Want to learn more about the work of LMM’s Office of Advocacy? Check out our 2023 Advocacy Priorities and sign up for our monthly Advocacy Alerts.
