“If you want happiness, help someone.”
Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his service.

Boozhoo John,

In the 1960s during post-World War II America, I was a high school student beginning to take an interest in the news. This was a time of great challenge and significant social change in our country. It was the beginnings of movements that would change our way of life: the American Indian Movement, the free speech, anti-war, civil rights, and the women’s rights movements – and of course, rock and roll.

I remember when I heard the news from Memphis: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had been shot.

I was so profoundly affected by this that I recorded every detail in my journal, knowing somehow it would eventually mean something significant to me.

Volunteer with Native Vote [[link removed]]

That day after school I wrote the poem, “Home of the Brave” – which would become my first published piece. Weeks later, I would hear that poem read over Wisconsin Public Radio, realizing my English teacher submitted it without my knowledge. I was grieving the loss of a great civil rights leader, and “Home of the Brave” was my elegy to Dr. King.

Some 20 years later, it would be my good fortune to meet his widow, Coretta Scott King, who firmly shared Dr. King’s vision of peace and nonviolent social change and continued his work. She emphasized his commitment to what he called the “beloved community.”

In 1994, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was declared a federal holiday – the only one devoted to community service. Dr. King understood the value of giving back to the community to build a better future for his children and for his people.

My dedication to community service came because of the passing of a great man, one who believed that service and selflessness is a means to greatness. It also brought me to poetry – specifically Poetry of Witness, a genre of poetry that requires the poet to pay careful attention when change is about to come.

If you want to give back and make a difference in the lives of Native people, volunteer with Native Vote this spring [[link removed]]. We’ll be at community events, phone banking, and asking our Native brothers and sisters to pledge to vote in the April 4 election.

You can show your interest in volunteering by filling out this form >>> [[link removed]]

Dr. King once said: “Life’s most persistent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’” Know that your support and volunteer time helps ensure Native voices are heard at the polls.

Miigwech (thank you) for your dedication to our seventh generation,

Dee Sweet
Native Vote Manager
Wisconsin Conservation Voices

DONATE [[link removed]]

Connect with us:
Facebook: [link removed]
Twitter: [link removed]
YouTube: [link removed]
Website: [link removed]


Wisconsin Conservation Voices
133 S. Butler Street Suite 320
Madison, WI 53703
United States
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] .