MLK speaker calls for Americans to live 'a life of sacrifice'

Americans need to live "a life of sacrifice," the Rev. Leo J. Bland told the crowd Monday at the 15th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Luncheon in Cape Girardeau.

Bland, pastor of the Lighthouse House of Refuge in Ullin, Illinois, said his faith is in God, not politicians.

"My hope is not in Washington. My hope is in God," he said at the gathering at the Salvation Army building on Good Hope Street.

Hours earlier, community members in Sikeston, Missouri, marched in support of an effort to rename that city's Main Street in honor of slain civil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

In Cape Girardeau, Bland said the nation has made strides over the decades since the death of King, "but it is not good enough."

Bland said, "We have children being killed in the streets by police."

After the luncheon, Bland said some police shootings are justified, but others aren't.

"People are going to have to come together," he said.

Many blacks, he said, see the "serve and protect" seal on police cars but believe the copy are protecting "somebody else, not them."

Bland suggested "community policing" programs are needed to allow residents in black neighborhoods and police to interact at a personal level to reduce tensions.

Bland said the August 2014 fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, occurred in front of his sister's residence. He criticized the looting of Ferguson stores by some protesters, but contended the violence was perpetrated by people who reside outside the community.

During the luncheon, Bland said he grew up in St. Louis and saw violence firsthand.

"I have had guns put to my head," he said.

Bland decried what he called the "watered-down messages" coming from many churches in America today. He said Americans need to be less selfish and reach out to others in need.

Debra Mitchell-Braxton, longtime organizer of the celebration, said the luncheon and earlier breakfast combined drew about 200 people.

Many in the crowd donated canned goods and toiletry items, which Mitchell-Braxton said will be donated to food pantries and the "First Call for Help" community service program.

The Dr. C.J. Ritter Humanitarian Award was presented to Terry Wade and Ramona Robinson-Bailey in recognition of their service to the community. The award is named after the late doctor who was involved in medical missions.

Wade, who was unable to attend the event, was honored for his work in caring for the elderly and aiding bereaved families. Robinson-Bailey was recognized for her longtime efforts in music ministry for various churches. Her daughter, eighth-grader Peighton Robinson, received a service award for her years of singing at local Martin Luther King Jr. events.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

701 Good Hope, Cape Girardeau, Mo.