The Rev. Ronald English to Speak on Life, Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at SUNY Plattsburgh
Few people can say they knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. personally. The Rev. Ronald English is one of them.
The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Office of the Provost, the NAACP SUNY Plattsburgh Chapter and the Plattsburgh College Foundation will host English for a talk on the life and work of King on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 5 p.m. in the Warren Ballrooms in the Angell College Center.
English brings a personal perspective to King’s story. He was licensed and ordained at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta under the tutelage of King and Dr. Martin Luther King Sr., and also served as the younger King's assistant minister. In addition, he offered the prayer at King’s funeral.
Distinguished Career
A graduate of Morehouse College and the Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center, English has had a long career as a pastor, educator, writer, public affairs producer and civil rights advocate. He has taught African American history at several institutions, including the University of Charleston, West Virginia State University and West Virginia Institute of Technology. His writings on King’s life and work have appeared in numerous publications.
English’s international experience includes participation in a 1989 delegation of African American leaders invited by Bishop Desmond Tutu to South Africa following the release of Nelson Mandela. In 2012, he received the Governor’s Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award for Peace.
The event on campus reflects SUNY Plattsburgh’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for thoughtful citizenship, ethical leadership and meaningful engagement with the world beyond campus, according to Dr. David Fryson, interim vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and a longtime friend of English's. By creating opportunities for learning, dialogue and reflection, the university continues to foster a campus environment where multiple perspectives are valued and where students are encouraged to think critically about history, social change and their own roles in shaping the future.
Life 'That Mirrors Modern Civil Rights Movement'
“Rev. English has lived a life that mirrors the modern Civil Rights movement. He not only was reared at the Ebenezer Baptist Church and served as a minister under Dr. King and his father, but Rev. English’s own father was a renowned deacon at that church. He has lived a substantial life of dedication and significance for the uplift of all people,” Fryson said.
For English, the visit is also about connecting King’s legacy to the next generation.
Having witnessed King’s delivery of his “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., he said the address has often been misunderstood.
“Ever since the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. became a national holiday, it has featured his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech,” English said. “But that speech has often been misused or selectively interpreted by those who would seek to promote their own agenda.”
'Dream King to Radical King'
English said those with intentions contrary to the purpose for which King gave his life misrepresent the dream.
“The time has come to shift our focus from the dream King to the radical King,” English said. “It was the radical King that announced the Poor People’s Campaign at a staff meeting of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in November of 1967, the year before he was killed.”
Identifying economic inequality, poverty and war as the “three evils” of the American political system, King’s plan for the campaign was to bring an initial group of 2,000 people of color from southern states and northern cities to occupy Washington, D.C., to demand jobs and a fair minimum wage.
The event, which is free and open to the public, offers all students, faculty, staff and community members the opportunity to hear firsthand reflections on King not only as a historical figure, but as a mentor, minister and movement leader whose vision continues to shape the world today. A reception with light refreshments will follow the program.
