LETTERS; NOMINATIONS BEING SOUGHT FO MLK JR. AWARD

To the editor:

Our nation has made great strides since the 1960s in knocking down walls and barriers on account of race, but we still have a long way to go.

I have often wondered where we would be if it were not for the courageous leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. King's preaching, teaching and speech-making called our nation away from the sin of separating and dividing people, one from another. It took his adherence to nonviolent protest to lead our nation away from legal discrimination. And though we have come far, we have a long way to go.

King was prophetic in that he spoke truth to power and name the evil of his day. Every generation needs prophets who name the brokenness and divisiveness that exists. And every community has people who are willing to work for justice and equality. Cape Girardeau is no exception. I

I am writing to make the community aware that nominations for this year's Martin Luther King Jr. award will be received through Dec. 22. The award will be presented Jan. 15 at the community worship service at Greater Dimension Church of God in Christ. Those interested in nominating a person or group who represent King's ideals may contact me at 335-3422 during the day or 335-1058 in the evening to request a nomination form.

PHIL CURRAN

Senior Minister

First Christian Church

Cape Girardeau