I know that this blog dates me but I have to relate this true story about Martin Luther King, Jr and me.
It happened a long time ago at the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. I was a Sophomore and, I think, it was 1957. Martin Luther King was the guest speaker and I was one of hundreds of students eager to hear the famous civil rights leader. I was in the balcony–a little speck from the lectern where he stood. But I heard every word and was held in a wonderful trance as his great voice filled the packed auditorium. His words were inspiring and full of hope. He was speaking to idealists–we were the kids of the 50’s and eager to make our own impact in the world. We wanted to make it better and different. We took his words to heart and applauded him again and again.
But what I remember were his eyes. I have seen them again and again in my memory of that day. I have seen many pictures of his eyes but they don’t do him justice. It is hard to describe what I saw. I remember how beautiful and expressive–moist with passion and caring– showing the kind of man he was. I heard his words but through his eyes I saw his soul. I still remember his eyes.