Richard Pryor's remarks are poignant and honest. He also manages to be appropriately funny, as in the beginning when he talks about his reaction to being invited to give the talk. I may paraphrase a bit, but he asks, "Why me? ... I'm not the most eloquent person... But I try to be a good person. I try to do my best when I'm trying to do my worst." The rest is truly beautiful. Thanks, Fern.
Thank you, Fern, for the links to these moving and inspirational videos. I was particularly touched by Richard Pryor’s speech: his big heart, genuine humanity and humility, and his respect and appreciation for Civil Rights activists brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you, Fern, for sharing this video on this day, to hear Reverend MLK Jr. explain the practical and moral reasons and value of non-violence in the struggle of Black people for Freedom and Justice. To hear his voice in an extended and rational explanation of non-violence is indeed rare and helpful for the public to understand his strategies and his actions. He and Gandhi were brilliant both in strategy and in deep moral character, both more threatening than weapons and violence. And nonviolence was effective in that it attracted support and activism from the public, Black and White. I’m ever grateful on this day to hear and see Martin Luther King Jr. Indeed a true hero and amazing human being. His courage and strength and intelligence in leading a nonviolent effort more threatening to white supremacy than violence and lethal weapons. His murder was a tragedy on so many levels. We have no Time Machine but nonviolence may have been slow but it was working. That was the threat. Assassination is the tool used against the slow March for Truth and Justice.
Thank you, Fern, for this contribution to the discussion. I watched both videos; we can only imagine how things might have been different if Dr. King had not been assassinated in 1968!
May his soul be at rest.
As others have remarked, Richard Pryor's speech shows how wise he was. He was the best kind of comedian, one who allows us to see ourselves in the light, to see how we look to others and to appreciate where our strengths, and, in particular, our weaknesses lie. May his soul be at rest.
Dear Fern, I watched and listened to the 1967 nbc interview with Doctor King, and was deeply overcome with emotions of joy and wonder....not ecstatic, but so moved to hear the truth told by this wonderful man. THE TRUTH. about the status and being of the scene of racism in his time and ours. (I'm 83, and it was my time, too, but because of the terrible place our country is in, it is still true and so unacknowledged by so many. And I probably wouldn't have discerned it so thoroughly then, as I do now. I am extremely grateful for your. posting of it, and I will send it to as many of my family and friends as I can. You do give us so much with your deep resources and deep thoughts. Thank you immensely ! When I recover a bit more from my reaction, I will watch the Richard Pryor session!
Anna, We keep at it; treasure those that came before, that are held back now and each other. Head up Anna that is the way to move forward. Please accept an sisterly hug.
Thank you, Fern. I was 2 yrs old when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated so my memories are more the kitchen table discussions between my parents and then my secondary school and university years and the move to recognize MLK day. Listening to the speeches and this interview shines the light on how much there is still to do, in those three critical topics.
Thank you, Fern, for the Richard Pryor link. Powerful in its Truth. He manages to entertain his audience with the Truth and a most appropriate brand of humor that captures history and the present, while acknowledging the tragedy and reality of all those who are victims of American Racism. American Racism. That is one of his most important statements. On another note, James Baldwin and many other artists, moved to Europe for many years to escape the American brand of racism and hate. Considering how Black people could fight and die in wars for American freedom and not live free, is another shame on America. Another story that must be told. https://www.discoursemagazine.com/culture-and-society/2021/08/02/what-james-baldwin-can-teach-us-about-the-problem-of-race-in-america-today/amp/
"The Last Word" carried part of Pryor's remarks last night. It still seems incredible that Dr. King was only 39 years old when he was assassinated. Here in west Michigan, the far-right crazies on our county commission have appropriated King's words about "not judging on the color of skin but the content of character" to justify doing away with our county DEI office.
Thank you Heather for a week of telling Letters and for this lovely winter photo.
There is more to learn from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; more to understand, more to share, more to give
NBC's Rarely Seen 1967 Interview With Dr. Martin Luther King …
https://www.primetimer.com/watch/the-rarely-seen-1967-nbc-news-interview-of-dr-martin-luther-king-jr
Richard Pryor remarks on Martin Luther King birthday at USDA Jan. 14, 1983 -- FULL REMARKS VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpukvO4iwQ8
🕯️🕯️🕯️
Fern
Richard Pryor's remarks are poignant and honest. He also manages to be appropriately funny, as in the beginning when he talks about his reaction to being invited to give the talk. I may paraphrase a bit, but he asks, "Why me? ... I'm not the most eloquent person... But I try to be a good person. I try to do my best when I'm trying to do my worst." The rest is truly beautiful. Thanks, Fern.
I felt a beautiful sadness and humble nobility in Richard Pryor.
I felt the same sadness...and I felt the loss again of Richard Pryor and so many others. Thank you for sharing that link.
Yes, that's what it felt like. Thanks Fern.
Thank you, Fern, for the links to these moving and inspirational videos. I was particularly touched by Richard Pryor’s speech: his big heart, genuine humanity and humility, and his respect and appreciation for Civil Rights activists brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you, Fern, for sharing this video on this day, to hear Reverend MLK Jr. explain the practical and moral reasons and value of non-violence in the struggle of Black people for Freedom and Justice. To hear his voice in an extended and rational explanation of non-violence is indeed rare and helpful for the public to understand his strategies and his actions. He and Gandhi were brilliant both in strategy and in deep moral character, both more threatening than weapons and violence. And nonviolence was effective in that it attracted support and activism from the public, Black and White. I’m ever grateful on this day to hear and see Martin Luther King Jr. Indeed a true hero and amazing human being. His courage and strength and intelligence in leading a nonviolent effort more threatening to white supremacy than violence and lethal weapons. His murder was a tragedy on so many levels. We have no Time Machine but nonviolence may have been slow but it was working. That was the threat. Assassination is the tool used against the slow March for Truth and Justice.
Fern, how you found Richard Pryor's remarks from1983 is amazing! I was struck by his speech, and his own humanity as he spoke.
So, too, Dr. King's interview. I particularly liked his counter to the "bootstraps" narrative.
Well done, Fern!
Hello, friend, Lynell. Let's keep MLK in our minds and hearts all year round
It's a deal, Fern!
We're on channel MLK., now. Good going, thank you, Lynell.
Smiley Face!
Thank you Fern for posting this interview. He was an eloquent man that will never be replaced nor forgotten.
Thank you, Fern, for this contribution to the discussion. I watched both videos; we can only imagine how things might have been different if Dr. King had not been assassinated in 1968!
May his soul be at rest.
As others have remarked, Richard Pryor's speech shows how wise he was. He was the best kind of comedian, one who allows us to see ourselves in the light, to see how we look to others and to appreciate where our strengths, and, in particular, our weaknesses lie. May his soul be at rest.
Michael, George Carlin also fits this description. Love his take on pro-life people.
Dear Fern, I watched and listened to the 1967 nbc interview with Doctor King, and was deeply overcome with emotions of joy and wonder....not ecstatic, but so moved to hear the truth told by this wonderful man. THE TRUTH. about the status and being of the scene of racism in his time and ours. (I'm 83, and it was my time, too, but because of the terrible place our country is in, it is still true and so unacknowledged by so many. And I probably wouldn't have discerned it so thoroughly then, as I do now. I am extremely grateful for your. posting of it, and I will send it to as many of my family and friends as I can. You do give us so much with your deep resources and deep thoughts. Thank you immensely ! When I recover a bit more from my reaction, I will watch the Richard Pryor session!
Anna, We keep at it; treasure those that came before, that are held back now and each other. Head up Anna that is the way to move forward. Please accept an sisterly hug.
Good advice, and hug back to you! Do you know who the interviewer was, and what news outlet published it? I would very much like to know.
Anna, The interview with Dr. King for which I provided a link was broadcast on NBC and Sander Vanocur was the interviewer.
Thank you, Fern. I was 2 yrs old when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated so my memories are more the kitchen table discussions between my parents and then my secondary school and university years and the move to recognize MLK day. Listening to the speeches and this interview shines the light on how much there is still to do, in those three critical topics.
I saw a portion of it on "The Last Word" - Pryor's comments made my eyes water and the entire show was inspiring.
Glad, Fern, to have seen the Richard Prryor speech. Never would have seen it otherwise. Heartfelt. Many thanks.
Thank you, Sandra VO. I feel as you do.
Thank you, Fern, for the Richard Pryor link. Powerful in its Truth. He manages to entertain his audience with the Truth and a most appropriate brand of humor that captures history and the present, while acknowledging the tragedy and reality of all those who are victims of American Racism. American Racism. That is one of his most important statements. On another note, James Baldwin and many other artists, moved to Europe for many years to escape the American brand of racism and hate. Considering how Black people could fight and die in wars for American freedom and not live free, is another shame on America. Another story that must be told. https://www.discoursemagazine.com/culture-and-society/2021/08/02/what-james-baldwin-can-teach-us-about-the-problem-of-race-in-america-today/amp/
Terrific article, Irenie. Thanks for posting!
Thank you, Fern.
Thank you, Mary Hardt, for your thoughts, caring, sharing and work on behalf of democracy for all; Salud.
Fern, this means a lot coming from someone that I admire as much as I do you.
Mary, you deserve deep respect. Nothing more to say.
"The Last Word" carried part of Pryor's remarks last night. It still seems incredible that Dr. King was only 39 years old when he was assassinated. Here in west Michigan, the far-right crazies on our county commission have appropriated King's words about "not judging on the color of skin but the content of character" to justify doing away with our county DEI office.
😣
Diversity Equity Inclusion, I see, Ann.
Thank You Fern.
Thanks for sharing this video. Richard Pryor’s speech was eloquent and spoken from the heart..
Thank you, Fern