Archbishop hails spirit of ‘I have a dream’

Writing exclusively in today’s Yorkshire Post about one of his personal heroes, Dr John Sentamu hopes next Tuesday’s 50th anniversary of one of the most profound speeches in history will be a watershed in this country.

He describes how his Young Leaders Awards continue to empower young people and that Dr King’s legacy, the halting of America’s divisive segregation laws, shows how collective action can make a lasting difference.

Dr Sentamu hopes that this will now inspire youngsters who are working to improve their communities. “Young people taking up the Young Leaders Award, study leaders like Martin Luther King Jr and Mahatma Gandhi,” writes the Archbishop.

“They not only learn more about their lives, but are also inspired by their quest for justice. There is always a good time to try to do the right thing and that time is now.

“It’s a lesson we should all remember. Individual action, no matter how small, can always make a difference.

“Where there is income generated by the Young Leaders Award, we seek to make grants to community projects. That has already liberated many communities.

“King followed Christ’s teaching of resisting peacefully what is evil, and he was also aware of the form of non-violent protest used by Mahatma Gandhi, believing that peace is not merely a distant goal but a means by which we arrive at that goal. It’s not always an easy journey to make!”

In what some might regard as an endorsement of the Big Society notion, Dr Sentamu concludes: “Too often, people believe that their own contribution is not important. I tell you friends, one drop of water can turn a waterwheel. Always aim high and never give up hope.”

A man who can inspire us all: Page 18.