Honoring the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The City of Lakewood is proud to remember and honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the national commemoration of his birthday on Jan. 16. On behalf of the Lakewood City Council, Mayor Steve Croft will proclaim in recognition of Dr. King. The City of Lakewood encourages residents to review and learn from Dr. King's philosophy of non-violent political action and communication. This philosophy was a major force in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s and remains an inspiration today.

Dr. King's Six Steps of Nonviolent Social Change

The following is excerpted from the website of The King Center, founded by Mrs. Coretta Scott King to preserve and promote the legacy of her husband, Dr. King.

Information Gathering To understand and articulate an issue, problem, or injustice facing a person, community, or institution you must do research.

You must become an expert on your opponent's position.

Education It is essential to inform others, including your opposition, about your issue.

Personal Commitment Daily check and affirm your faith in the philosophy and methods of nonviolence. Eliminate hidden motives and prepare yourself to accept suffering, if necessary, in your work for justice.

Negotiation Using grace, humor, and intelligence confront the other party with a list of injustices and a plan for addressing and resolving these injustices.

Look for what is positive in every action and statement the opposition makes.

Do not seek to humiliate the opponent but call forth the good in the opponent.

Direct Action These are actions taken when the opponent is unwilling to enter into or remain in, a discussion/negotiation.