45°
To the editor:
On Jan. 18, we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. I am proud that Westport strives to be a positive influence towards affecting social change in our neighborhoods and beyond.
Dr. King professed, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
It is important to recognize that Dr. King’s legacy must be active and “in the moment” in order to move forward.
Like Dr. King, we must not shy away from the continuing challenge of including all those with seemingly diverse opinions, backgrounds and capabilities. These individuals and groups have the potential to broaden the horizon and spectrum of our daily lives in the most positive ways.
Westport’s social consciousness is continually evolving. It is vital that in the course of that evolution varied opportunities for understanding, acceptance and change are provided. TEAM Westport, the Interfaith Council of Westport and Weston, the Westport Library, and Staples High School Peer Groups, among others, arrange programs and guidance for intelligent community conversation and initiatives.
I am grateful to the members of these groups who work diligently and effectively to provide the programs that teach, enrich, enhance, and expand our social awareness. I encourage everyone to take part in these important discussions, and even more importantly, transform those discussions into actions.
It is within our grasp to affect positive change; to see others as ourselves with similar hopes, dreams and aspirations. I am confident that now and into the future, Westport will make every effort to run, walk, crawl and “keep moving forward” to advance Dr. King’s enlightened vision and dream for the world.
Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe
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