Edward (Ed) Johnson’s Post

"I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation." Lucky enough to embark on the Forward Program at McKinsey Academy, I am learning a lot. The last big and powerful lesson learned during this course was about the "art of conversation", and how to convey ideas, how to deliver a message in a memorable yet clear way. In order to illustrate this course, I dived into historical speeches that everyone remembers, including "I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King, Jr. ✊ In essence, King's speech showcases the best practices of effective communication. His language, coupled with his ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level, makes "I Have a Dream" not just a speech, but a monumental moment in history that continues to inspire generations. Let's break down some of the elements that make it so impactful: ☑ Infusing personal meaning and conviction: King's speech is rooted in his personal beliefs and experiences, making it incredibly authentic. He speaks from the heart, expressing a genuine desire for equality and justice, even in his tone. ☑ Incorporating specific stories: King shares anecdotes and references that make the message relatable and concrete. By referring to historical events like the Emancipation Proclamation and the Declaration of Independence, he grounds his message in the context of the struggle for civil rights. ☑ Balancing positive and negative messages: he adeptly blends hope and urgency. He addresses the harsh realities of racial injustice while also painting a vivid picture of a future where equality prevails. This balance keeps the audience engaged and motivated. ☑ Rhetorical techniques: King's use of repetition, particularly the phrase "I have a dream," or "now is the time", creates a powerful rhythm and reinforces the central theme of hope. He uses vivid visual imagery, painting a picture of a transformed society where children of different races play together harmoniously. His analogies, such as comparing the struggle for civil rights to cashing a check marked "insufficient funds," resonate deeply. "And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" I mean, how deep and magnificent! 👏

Today it is exactly 60 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his speech as part of the "March on Washington", one of the largest movements of the time. He had a dream. The dream of equality, of nonviolence in action and speech. The dream of kindness and humanity. However, the March on Washington also had a clear message: WE DEMAND! An end to discrimination. Equal treatment. Freedom and jobs - a way out of poverty and opportunities for economic security. An uncompromising demand and deep need for change. Today marks exactly 60 years since the stones started rolling. Where a spark ignited a fire that mercilessly contributed to the birth of the Civil Rights Act 1964 and the Voting Rights Act 1965, and which continues to burn unceasingly. Let's change the world! This is the motto of the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island, which teaches nonviolence according to the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. The Institute was founded by Bernard LaFayette Jr., an associate of Martin Luther King Jr. and back then co-organizer of freedom protests. By sheer coincidence, today I also had a phone call with my wonderful colleague Paul Bueno de Mesquita, Ph.D. - Professor of Psychology and former Director of this Institute for #Nonviolence and #Peace Studies. Paul, who believes in such change and has invested in it for many years. "What can I do on my own?" say 8 billion people. Sometimes one is enough. One who knows what they stand for, what they demand. One who works for peace and justice. Passion can move mountains - when one starts. Others will follow. In memory of a courageous passionate man whose vision lives on. #peace #nonviolence #equality #alternativedisputeresolution #tolerance #humanity #kindness #freedom #growth #historyformsfuture

Why We Celebrate MLK Day? The article link is below and highlights the following: The day commemorates the life and work of Dr. King, who was a Baptist minister and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. People are encouraged to use the day to “reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change espoused by Dr. King.” https://lnkd.in/efpWFxys

Honoring #MLKDay2024 Explore the profound wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr. through these powerful speeches. Each word echoes the call for justice, equality, and societal transformation. Let's reflect and act. 1. 'The Other America': MLK challenges us to fight for genuine equality beyond surface-level integration. 2. "Nonviolence is a powerful moral force for social transformation." MLK's Nobel Peace Prize speech inspires us to embrace true change. 3. In the Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 'The Quest for Peace and Justice,' MLK addresses the ethical challenges of modern man 4. 'Paul’s Letter to American Christians: MLK exposes societal injustices, reminding us of the duty to uplift the masses. 5. MLK's words from 'The Three Evils of Society' in 1967 resonate today as we navigate the call for freedom amidst legislative challenges. 6. 'Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence' - MLK's poignant speech warns of the consequences if America's soul becomes poisoned. Let these timeless speeches guide our pursuit of a just and equal society. I am proud to be part of the legacy as a student of King Hall School of Law. The school's mission is to be a leader in the development and dissemination of legal knowledge. #MLKLegacy #RevelatorySpeeches #Inspiration

It was my hunger to understand the origins and possibility of my experience as a Black woman in America that pushed me to more deeply explore the legacy of #RadicalMLK. Like many of you, I went to schools and listened to programs about his “dream” of racial equality. But, as I studied the arc of his activism, I discovered a more reflective MLK, a man who had become deeply depressed as he came to understand the true nature of racism and caste in America. Towards the end of his life, Dr. King came to understand a few things: 1. The visual presence of people of different racial backgrounds is not a signal of equality. 2. There is no “moral imperative” alone that can end racism when so many continue to reap the economic and political benefits of a flawed system. 3. True liberation can only be realized when people from all backgrounds understand the degree to which they are victims of a system built on a foundation of oppression. 4. America owes a huge debt to the descendants of chattel slaves in America. 5. Power over will never be as fruitful as power with.

Our empathy for others' suffering, as if it were our own, is what's so needed today. Indeed "another's pain as my pain, another's joy as my joy." I know it's the only path to lasting peace. So this Juneteenth, in order to honor the legacy of the Black Americans who suffered through slavery and their descendants who continue to suffer, despite Juneteenth, I urge that we call out the back sliding of the intention of Juneteenth, that is evident in our country today. White supremacy and white nationalism are activated in our country today. We've arrived at a time where ALL of us, especially non-Blacks, must openly use the words "white supremacy," "white nationalism" and "white Christian nationalism" so we can name what is actually happening in US society, law and politics. It's always been here. But it is activated by people in power. We can only change that which we NAME. White nationalism is the cause of the backsliding of democracy in the United States. Corporations, for-profit leaders must look deeply and acknowledge their role in perpetuating "White dominance" mindset (by simply seeing who the leaders are of Fortune 500 companies). The personal and the politics are also the professional. This is the time for all of us with power and influence to DO the right thing. Juneteenth IS a federal holiday. We can live up to the intention of Juneteenth. Freedom. True Freedom -- liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness for All. In order to do right for the descendants of those who were enslaved and have, through the centuries been deprived of access to equitable livelihood, home ownership, health and wellness, those of us in power and with influence must act daily with a clear intention. Indeed, Their pain IS my pain. Their joy IS my joy. Their experience IS the collective experience of me and we. I watched and imagined myself in their experience in two programs this Juneteenth. I chose to watch despite wanting to just shut it off and runaway from the pain. Honoring their pain is honoring their legacy. PBS The Big Payback: https://lnkd.in/euyDAbp7 Good Trouble: https://lnkd.in/e8FDqn3V

Reflecting on "The Mountaintop": A Riveting Journey at the Citadel Theatre. I recently had the privilege of experiencing "The Mountaintop" at the Citadel Theatre with Marcela Mandeville, and I must say, it was an unforgettable journey through history and humanity. Set against the backdrop of the night before the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Katori Hall offers a gripping reimagination of pivotal events. We see Dr. King not just as a historical figure, but as a human being grappling with his destiny and legacy. The production ends with a video montage that offered a poignant reflection of our current state. As we witness the unfolding events of our time, from the rise of white supremacist ideologies to the heartbreaking tragedy of George Floyd's death, the vision of the promised land that Dr. King imagined seems to grow increasingly distant. Yet, amidst these challenges, the final vision of the play and the exhortation to "pass the baton" take on new significance. These projections serve as a powerful reminder of the urgency of the issues at hand and the need for continued action. While the sense of a stalled world may linger, it only serves to amplify the resonance of Dr. King's visionary speech, infusing it with a profound sense of tragedy and reminding us of the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. As we continue to reflect on the events of April 3, 1968, we're reminded of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality that continues to shape our world today. #MartinLutherKingJr #CivilRights #SocialJustice #Equality #Humanity #PassingTheBaton

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose voice still resonates with power and urgency. His words were a demand for hope and justice, a call for equality that continues to ring true in our fight for a better world. Today, remember his message and the hope he gave to Black Americans: "We shall overcome." #PathwaysConsultingGroup #MLK #MLKday2024 #martinlutherkingjr #quote #martinlutherking #martinlutherkingjr #MartinLutherKingDay #martinlutherkingjrquote

As we commemorate Juneteenth, let’s reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful words: "For more than a century of slavery and another century of segregation, Negroes did not find mass unity nor could they mount mass actions... But in the last decade, Negroes united and marched. And out of the new unity and action, vast monuments of dignity were shaped, courage was forged, and hope took concrete form." Dr. King's observations remind us of the critical role of class and mass actions in the fight for equality. These mechanisms allow marginalized communities to unify, amplify their voices, and challenge systemic injustices. June 19, 1865, marked the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy, a pivotal moment in the journey toward justice and equality. For those of us working in law, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we have made and the ongoing commitment required to uphold justice for all. #Equality #Justice #CivilRights #Juneteenth

Here is an article that goes further into Martin Luther King Jr.’s Impact On Native American people: