Group goes beyond King's 'I have a dream'

Everyone knows "I Have a Dream." But the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is not singular, as Freeport residents proved in using a far less known speech to spur discussion.

The civil rights leader's "Drum Major Instinct" address, delivered just two months before his 1968 assassination, was the basis of Sunday's "Community Conversation" at the village library. About 20 participants parsed King's words imploring service, and urged local schools and civic organizations should hold similar events.

"The message, today, is just as important," said the Rev. Eddie Jusino, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Freeport. On tables in front of him were speech excerpts, notepads and lists of questions to ponder.

"If you want to be great - wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant," read part of King's Feb. 4, 1968 address at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. "That's your new definition of greatness."

For one group, debate centered on the statement that if you serve others, "shallow things will not matter." King told the crowd that when he is eulogized, education or awards shouldn't be mentioned.

"In other words, life is important not because of those things, but because you served the needs of humanity," said Rochelle Dorfman, a longtime Freeport resident and civil rights activist.

Julius Pearse, who was Freeport's first black police officer, said he's dismayed when children do not realize the basic rights King fought for. He noted his own experiences riding in the backs of buses and having a cousin who was lynched.

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"They believe what they enjoy today always has been there," said Pearse, 77.

Organizers of the discussion - funded by a New York Council for the Humanities grant - recorded residents' thoughts. They will provide the information to village and school leaders to host similar events, widening the audience.

"Everyone has a gift, even if it's just saying, 'Hello, how are you?' or, 'How can I help you?' " said Maryellen Cantanno, a librarian who arranged Sunday's event. "This should really hit home."