My interview with actor Morgan Freeman on the MLK memorial

[WilliamPitt]

http://www.truthout.org/docs_05/011805Z.shtml

William Rivers Pitt: Thirty six years after the murder of Dr. King, plans are in motion to build a memorial to his life, his activism and his teachings in Washington DC. Given the days we live in - with war and economic uncertainty and fear served to us with our daily bread - a memorial to a man who preached non-violent resistance is timely. What aspects of the memorial will focus on King's legacy in this regard, and speaking personally, what aspects of Kings legacy in this regard find resonance with you in these days?

Morgan Freeman: Every aspect of this monument seems appropriate for these times. While some are confused and frustrated today with the conditions of our world, the monument offers the tenets of Christ as Dr. King understood them to provide calm - the water effects that are part of the design will allow a place for reflection. While storms and earthquakes ravage the land with power that mystifies us, the monument's etched phrases will speak of the peace within one's self - as Gandhi understood it and Dr. King perceived it from Gandhi's teachings. The monument itself - a peace monument to a peaceful man in a valley that has long commemorated great and hard-fought wars and the Presidents of our vast and diverse nation - the very idea of it pulses.

WRP: What does Dr. King mean to you? How do you feel about being involved in the movement to establish a memorial for him and his work?

MF: I spent a great deal of time in the South, growing up there as a child in and around Memphis. As an adult, I was very aware of Dr. King's message and how it affected the people who lived in Southern communities. He was a person, more that any actor, more than just about any other statesman of his time, who had 'presence' in the surest form. I believe it was something that was born in him but that he cultivated with resolution because he knew the power that his particular kind of presence could have in the world.

He knew that change was inevitable but that choice affecting change, non-violence affecting change, peace in the midst of change would make the difference. This is a powerful example that he set for us and posterity. Any reminder of the example that was his life is important. In times of war, of heartache, of despair - in the best of times, we need to remember the power of an exemplary life. We need to remember, always, Dr. King's tenets and his life.

...more...

[UL_Approved]

1. Great article

This is why I like the Democratic Underground so very much. We talk about and actually have the people who get these stories. This is important.

[HeeBGBz]

2. I love this man

Thanks, William, you lucky dawg. Great article.

[G_j]

3. Wow!

great interview! thanks :-)

[cali]

4. Wonderful, insightful interview

Great job.

[Dudley_DUright]

5. Direct link to those who want to donate to the MLK memorial

on the mall in DC (I just did).

http://www.mlkmemorial.org/

[proudbluestater]

6. Great interview with a great man!

My favorite line:

"This memorial is distinct in that it is the first memorial honoring a man of peace and will be the only memorial on the Mall not honoring a president or a war."

Martin Luther King DESERVES to be the first such honoree.

[Shopaholic]

7. Thanks Will.

Great interview, great man.

[WilliamPitt]

8. .

[WilliamPitt]

9. One last

[11 Bravo]

10. Great read!

I remember Morgan Freeman from "The Electric Company" about 30 years ago. I used to watch it with my 2nd graders. (And yes, I'm still teaching. Thank you GI Bill.)

[Green Mountain Dem]

11. What a GREAT interview.....

FWIW...sitiing here poolside (in Phoenix) with my wife and enjoying a break away from the frigid Green Mtns. Struck up a conversation with a gal from Lynn Mass who voted for Bush, mentioned your book and how she might enjoy reading a "local author),and she immediately left the pool area. She returned about 15 min later and is now back in her pool chaise lounge reading your book...and she has a broad smile on her face. Trust me..she WILL convert!!

[WilliamPitt]

12. Wow

Cool! Which book?

[Green Mountain Dem]

15. You ready for this.....

We left for lunch and returned about 10 min ago...she had finished "Silence".... and apparently ran back to the book store, (across the street from the hotel), and is now reading War on Iraq !! She is planning to go to truthout and DU when she is back in her room!! A GOOD day all around.

[TrustingDog]

13. good interview, Will. Hey, Scott Ritter was on CNN yesterday...

briefly. Can't remember who interviewed him (wasn't watching, just listening). Pretty much said the same as he did before the Home Invasion of Iraq, eloquently and confidentally.

[WilliamPitt]

14. Good

[GreenPartyVoter]

16. After all these years, I still love that Easy Reader!

------------------------------------------------------
Join the new Boston Tea Party!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/index.htm#shopping

[WilliamPitt]

17. Heh

:)

[Zomby Woof]

18. Sweet!

I love Morgan Freeman, and I applaud you getting to interview him for this occasion. Great job!

[WilliamPitt]

19. .

[Clark2008]

20. I love Morgan Freeman!!

Have you been here?

http://www.musicrowdemocrats.com/

Morgan was born in my home state and I am so proud of him, I could spit! I love him to pieces. He's a wonderful, wonderful, sweet and kind human being.

:)

Thanks Will for your work. :loveya: (Oh, that's a "floaty heart," btw).

[WilliamPitt]

21. .

[blueblitzkrieg]

22. Wow, great interview

I love Morgan Freeman, can't wait to see Million Dollar Baby!!