The Atlanta Voice from Atlanta, Georgia • 2

Page 2- THE ATLANTA VOICE October 27, 1979 Henry Ford, And Mondale At Freedom Hall Groundbreaking By Tommy Calhnee Voice Newt Network, Inc. and talked with Dr. King. Her role only exampled Martin's concern for poor people's plight. Mrs.

LaBord' words were even supported "officially," by the Vice President of the United States of America -Walter F. Mondale. "We must plant the hopeful seeds of civil rights in the fertile ground of economic opportunity," he said. "We must struggle every day with all the resources at ur command to translate the promise of equal justice, hiring, promotion, education', housing; in the banks and financial institutions, in our courtrooms, and in government itself," Mondale asserted, while unable to contain his strong emotions. The Vice President explained that "the Center which bears his name' (MLK, Jr.) and to all today, must rededicate our nation to carry on the unfinished work of the humaf rights revolution." He also recalled that he was part of the Congressional Delegation which came to Atlanta for Dr.

King's memorial services in 1968. "I thought it would be a sad occasion," he remembered, "But it was not. It was a joyous time something like today." The Vice President announced that the Economic Development Administration had recently approved a $1.5 million grant to the Center. He said it was not only designed to house Dr. King's papers and other documents of the Movement, but would help to stimulate the growth of tourism and the convention trade in Atlanta's historic Auburn Avenue neighborhood.

Finally, Dr. King's former teacher and mentor concluded the event with prayer. Daddy King, who'd earlier in the event was visibly-moved, sat adjacent to this man. It was a rare sight two pillars of pride -together Martin Luther King, and Benjamin Elijah Mays. The power of their prayers, had been imminent.

Now, "Homecoming" for them will be all the way up. Amazing Dr. Mays told the Voice Newt Network that the groundbreaking for Freedom Hall was a monumental task and a great tribute to Mrs. King because Mr. Ford and Vice President Mondale had helped her.

"I may not get to the promise land with but I say, "I Have A Dream." Dr. King, We love you wizard had come to Atlanta from Detroit, home of the Ford Motor Company, to confirm for all the world that Martin Luther King, Jr. hadn't died in vain. Certainly, Mr. Ford's presence on the platform would be recalled a million times by several million people.

He was assuredly aware that "those people" were truly determined not to let anything turn them around not even the tragic-death of a young many who'd earned his Ph.D. at age 25 and went on to become a household name universally. "I may not get there with you but I've been to the And Ford undoubtedly knew what he was doing being flanked with one of the world's most admired 25 women notable Black leaders a Vice President. He'd already donated more than a million dollars to the Freedom HaH fundraising campaign. So this day in history would have to shine.

Mr. Ford portrayed a pleased person. Don't think for one iota-of-a-second that he didn't see all those sons and daughters whose ancestors paid the price. The core of Africa must have trembled. "Free At "Thank Mr.

Ford called Dr. King a Giant and, explained he was inspired by his philosphy of nonviolence as an instrument for social Some of the dignitaries listening to one of the most powerful individuals in the world were: Mayor Coleman Young (Detroit, Congresspersons Walter Fauntroy, Charles Diggs and Wyche Fowler; former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, Oakland, California Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Ruth Love; and fomer aides to Dr. King Dorothy Cotton, Benard Lee, John Lewis, Rev Fred Ben'-" nette, Bernita Bennette (Special Assistant to Mrs: King and 'Director of Protocol for The King Center), Leon Hall, Rev. C.T.

Vivian, Dr. Randolph Blackwell, and others. The Honorable Robert Hall, Assistant Secretary of the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, brought spirited greetings from that branch of the federal government. Mrs.

Susie LaBord spoke in behalf of the "Grassroots Community." She walked groundbreaking was the culmination of sacrifice, struggle and sincerity, for not only Mrs. King, but for the entire King family. Daddy King definitely knows how much the bereaved can bear. And all the family was there none forgot Mama King, A.D. and Darlene; memories of very many others, too, lingered in the atmosphere; Evers, 16th Street Baptist Church, (Birmingham) Fannie Lou all -peacefully.

Since Dr. King was no ordinary man, it was appropriate to have honored him at the groundbreaking festivities for Freedom Hall with no ordinary event. It wasn't More than 2,000 supporters came to crowd Auburn Avenue and Boulevard. Dr. King was born in the next block.

Many came from faraway places. He had a dream. "On behalf of the citizens of the City Atlanta, it is my pleasure to welcome you tc this historic honoring a truly great Atlanta native, humanitarian and drum major for justice; a man whose un-. selfish dedication improved the quality of life for millions of Americans." remarks came from Mayor Maynard H. Jackson, The Mayor followed footsteps on the campus of Morehouse they are "Morehouse Men." "The Dream In Prior to Mayor Jackson's reflections, Andrew Young, Jesse Hill, Rabbi Beverly Lerner, Ebenezer Pastor Joseph Roberts all seem to agree: "The Dream Is Alive." Each offered profound messages about Martin's mystery.

Echoing their views artistically, the Morehouse College dee Club under the direction of Wendell Whalum --Callaway Professor of Music and, most meaningfully, Minister of Music at Ebenezer sang so beautifully; while the reflecting pool which hugs Dr. King's remains, rippled little waves in a cadence--like-look to "Mine Eyes Have Seen The dory" for the Prince of Peace. Martin loved music; He heard. Then the triumphant time arrives. "I Have A An obviously poor Black Brother says: "That's really.

Henry Ford, II." pe was right. For the car'-producer- "I refase to accept the view that Mankind It 10 tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality." It's a crispy-clear Thursday morning in Atlanta, Georgia. October 18, 1979. "A bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood" is becoming a reality. "I may not get there with but I Have A Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the I Have A Dream' Martin Luther King, Henry Ford, II, Walter F.

Mondale, three distinct all-important life-legacies something special mystical about the collage of the mixing of these names. MIX, "Whatever affects one of us affects All." Now the image is clear. "I Have A Yesterday. Only one year after his assassination. The widow envisions.

January 15, 1969, Coretta Scott King: Auburn Avenue, we expect to restore his birthplace and continue the life of Ebenezer Baptist Church, his spiritual Together with these, in a memorial park, we plan to locate his final place of entombment, and build as well a living, open Freedom Hall which will tell for many generations the story of the movement which he October 18, 1979 Mrs. King repeats her statement her husband's crypt in the background of the platform provides a backdrop scene that creates a spiritual setting. And the words on Martin's crypt conveys the day's agenda: "Free At List, Free At Last, Thank God Almighty I'm Free At Last." MiaLutketKirig "i Jr. emerged of the heart of the "Black Experience 'to America, Freedom Hall will experience of' all' people, especially those' who' are' broken and oppressed, those who desperately search for justice, liberation and peace." Although some don't understand her directions today Mrs. King spoke those words 11-year-ago! She decided to go on with what little meager resources Dr.

King had left, his ''All things work together good," as she is known, for saying. For. indeed, last Inursday's Benjamin Mays Chairs Board Mu I tiMedia Museum Will Preserve Black Heritage By Tommy CaUmee Voice News Network, Inc. memorating special events and tributes to Black unsung heros; THE ARCHIVES: a collection of artifacts, relics and memoriabilia reflecting African-American life, especially in the deep south; THE ROTUNDA: a panoramic multimedia presentation on a 360-degree screen chronicling the saga of the Black Experience; THE LEGENDS, LEGACIES AND LIFE LIBRARY: a collection of audio tapes, films, video tapes and audivisuals on Black Life for individual and small groups. Presently, a small administrative staff, a board of advisors, board of directors and honorary board overseas the direction and activities of Collections of Life and Heritage.

The honorary board is certainly a Who's Who Among Black AaMficaas fist and some of the prominent are: Daddy King, Ralph D. Abe ma thy, Lerone Bennett.Jr., Senator Julian Bond, Howard University President James Cheek, singer Roberta Flack, actress Cicely Tyson, Morehouse College President Hugh Gloster, Attorney David Franklin, Black businessperson Herman RusselL Spelman College President Donald Ktewart, and others.Dr. Mays is chairperson. Mr. Moore can be reached at 758-2654.

Atlanta," Dr. Mays told the Voice News -Network in a telephone interview from- southwest Atlanta residence. iK "I hope what we're trying to do will show the Blacks' past, the future, and show what we got to do," when asked to explain the benefits of the project for, the current generation of Black Youth. "This effort should be an outstanding said the "Last the great schoolmasters." Dan Moore, an Atlanta multimedk producer, functions as administrator of the temporary office located near the Atlanta University Center in the Aihby Grove area. According to Moore, the project started in June, 1978.

Open House celebration was held in July of this year. Visitors are encouraged. Moore explains he's elated by the community's response to raise some the' $5,000 required for. the initial development of the project. The total cost of the 18-month construction-plan is estimated between $2 million and $3 million.

Several "phases" have been planned toward completion of the project. Currently, Moore is coodinating a national fundraising drive; Phase Two and A challenge to preserve permanently the historical and cultural heritage of Black- Americans is being pursued by local -and national leaders. Collections of Life and Heritage, Georgia nonprofit corporation, will house a multimedia display of sights and sounds of the Afro-American Experience. Atlanta was selected as the site. for.

the "media museum" because its supporters believe the city's Black colleges, business, historical churches and other institutions here, serve at the "vanguard" in producing regional, national and international Black -Leadership figures. "Sweet Auburn Avenue" has been chosen as the proposed site. "We want to demonstrate that Atlanta is the place for such a cultural center for Black people in the country the world for that matter," said the distinguished theologian scholar Benjamin. Elijah -Mays, President Emeritus of Morehouse 'College and third-term president of the Atlanta Board of Education. "With the exception of Washington, D.C.

more people come here than any other city, especially because the Martin Luther King, Jr. complex attracts vis tor to of course. Phase Three, includes the museum's opening. Blacks have not supported their own heritage, Moore maintains; he thinks support from within the Black communities of the nation is important. Once the structure is designed, an animated multimedia exhibit will allow visitors, to- "walk through" African-American History, and will display THE GENESIS: a glimpse of Africa historically; THE VOYAGE: a replica of a portion of the hold of a slave ship; THE CAPTIVITY: depiction of the slave trade; THE EMANCIPATION: a portrayal of attempts by Blacks and Whites to free slaves; RECONSTRUCTION TO RENAISSANCE: an account of the migration of Blacks in America to the north, their activities and changing lifestyles and the Harlem Renaissance; THE STRUGGLE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS: a visual history of freedom marches, boycotts, philosophy and the quest: and THE HORIZONS: vistas of a new breed of Black.

Additionally. THE COMTRIBUnONS: display of outstanding achievements by Blacks in various professions, and historical and contemporary Blacks; THE HALLMARKS: a chancing exhibit corn-.