BEDFORD – Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, which lives on in Lawrence County thanks to Clearance Brown and others in the community. It is a dream that all would live in a nation where people would not be judged by their skin color but by the conduct of their character.
As a guest speaker, State Brotherhood President of Indianapolis, Ismal Outlaw, said during the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Service, “It’s all about character, the distinctive qualities of an individual or group. It is internal and authentic. We will improve this world in what we do for others.”
As Clarence Brown stated, “It’s all about love, love, love. All we have to do is love. There is nothing hate can do when we turn up the love.”
The day was made possible after the Lawrence County Commissioners and Veterans Affairs Officer Brad Bough.
Brown has worked in the community for over 30 years and knows that now is not the time to stop doing what he loves most: bringing the community together. Sunday was a day about people coming together and loving one another.
Brown said we should put ourselves in other’s shoes. Attempting to see a situation from a point of view outside of our own.
“Asian, Jewish, African American, and hate is even up against the White people,” added Brown. “Hating is in the heart, and doing that is a dangerous position. That hate needs to be replaced with love. It’s all about loving our fellow man and woman. Some things have changed over the 35 years I have been doing this, and some have not. We still have some difficult days ahead of us.”
Brown has been sharing the love of community with this march since 1989.
The group came together, marched around the square in Downtown Bedford, and traveled to the Stonegate Arts & Education Building on 15th Street.
There was talk of love, singing, and performances with the Bedford Community Choir.
“Dr. King said everyone can learn to serve. If everyone does their part, we won’t have anything to worry about,” Brown added.
As Brown said, “Just be kind; love and kindness can change the world and those around you.”
