January 19, 2007
FAITH IN ACTION
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Full human rights for all, said MLK |
After a full weekend of home-building for needy New Yorkers in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, Habitat for Humanity celebrated Martin Luther King's birthday with a panel discussion and luncheon at the Concord Baptist Church to celebrate the legacy of one of our country's greatest leaders and a pioneer in the social justice movement.
Greeting the crowd with fiery speeches: Congressman Edolphus Towns, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion and NY State Assembly member Annette Robinson, among others.
A panel discussion entitled "Faith in Action: Civil Rights in the 21st Century" brought together three advocates and front-line leaders from around New York City: Dr. Marjorie Hill (GMHC ED), Jose Valencia (head of the New York Association of New Immigrants) and Wendy Weiser (Deputy ED for the Brennan Center for Social Justice at NYU Law School).
Dr. Hill spoke on HIV/AIDS and its disproportionate affect on the African American community. She highlighted the sometimes overlooked social injustices of homophobia and HIV stigma, and emphasized how they clash with the historic message and mission of Dr. King.
It was encouraging to hear clear talk about ending HIV/AIDS, homophobia, and stigma as crucial aspects of the fight for social justice for all. Hats off to Habitat for Humanity, Dr. Hill and all the other panelists for their insight and vision as we all continue to press for the justice that Martin Luther King lived and died for.