Planned Parenthood Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Some reflections on the MLK Jr. Holiday from one of our correspondents in Eastern Washington:

I am sure that all of you have paused today to remember MLK Jr. and reflect briefly on what today means in your life. If you feel like you need to give honor to this man and this day, here is a little info to help you further understand your feelings for what this day may mean to you.

Martin Luther King was and is the first person to ever receive the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Margaret Sanger Award for "his courageous resistance to bigotry and his lifelong dedication to the advancement of social justice and human dignity."

The citation further reads: "Dr. King has lent his eloquent voice to the cause of world-wide voluntary family planning."

In his acceptance speech, titled Family Planning- A Special and Urgent Concern, MLK Jr. stating: "There is no human circumstance more tragic than the persisting existence of a harmful condition for which a remedy is readily available. Family planning, to relate population to world resources, is possible, practical and necessary. Unlike the plagues of dark ages of contemporary diseases we do not yet understand, the modern plague of overpopulation is soluble by means we have discovered, and with resources we possess."

"There is a striking kinship between our movement and Margaret Sanger's early efforts."

"...the years have justified [Margaret Sanger's] actions."

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in a letter a few weeks later, noted: "Words are inadequate for me to say how honored I was to be the recipient of the Margaret Sanger Award. This award will remain among my most cherished possessions."

"I am happy to be the recipient of the Margaret Sanger Award and I can assure you that this distinct honor will cause me to work even harder for a reign of justice and a rule of love all over our nation."

The full story can be found on Planned Parenthood's web page, if you wish to read on. But I urge you to think twice about the reason your bank and latte stand are closed today.

-- Sara Huenergardt