On Monday, January 18, 2016, residents of Toronto commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. as a remarkable leader for equality and civil rights.
For the YMCA, this is especially meaningful as Martin Luther King Jr. played a prominent role in the elimination of discrimination, and civil rights activism. His commitment to equality resonates with the values of the YMCA, where caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility are at the heart of our organization.
In 1967 Martin Luther King Jr. spent time in Canada, where he was invited to be a speaker for the prestigious Massey Lectures on the CBC Radio here in Toronto. During these lectures he called Conscience for Change, King spoke about race, the war in Vietnam, youth and social action, and non-violence.
In his final lecture, King noted the relationship between African Americans and Canadians, where Canada stood as the “North Star” for African American slaves. He saw Canada as not only an ally to African Americans, but also discussed Canada as a vision of “heaven” during the times of the de-humanized slave plantations in the U.S.
The YMCA stands for communities that are socially inclusive and diverse. We regard diversity of people and communities as assets, and we challenge forms of exclusion. Like Martin Luther King Jr., the YMCA is passionate about making a difference and providing opportunity for all people.
For the YMCA, this is especially meaningful as Martin Luther King Jr. played a prominent role in the elimination of discrimination, and civil rights activism. His commitment to equality resonates with the values of the YMCA, where caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility are at the heart of our organization.
Did you know that the city of Toronto is one of the few cities outside of the United States that recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
In 1967 Martin Luther King Jr. spent time in Canada, where he was invited to be a speaker for the prestigious Massey Lectures on the CBC Radio here in Toronto. During these lectures he called Conscience for Change, King spoke about race, the war in Vietnam, youth and social action, and non-violence.
In his final lecture, King noted the relationship between African Americans and Canadians, where Canada stood as the “North Star” for African American slaves. He saw Canada as not only an ally to African Americans, but also discussed Canada as a vision of “heaven” during the times of the de-humanized slave plantations in the U.S.
The YMCA stands for communities that are socially inclusive and diverse. We regard diversity of people and communities as assets, and we challenge forms of exclusion. Like Martin Luther King Jr., the YMCA is passionate about making a difference and providing opportunity for all people.
