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McDew is keynote speaker at MLK luncheon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Eikren
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Team Scott celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., during an annual luncheon Jan. 15, at the Scott Club. Lt. Gen. Darren W. McDew, 18th Air Force commander, was the guest speaker.

The luncheon served as an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the principles of racial equality and non-violent social change inspired by King and marked the 50th anniversary of King's 'I Have a Dream' speech.

Second Lt. Dwayne Johnson, 375th Communications Support Squadron flight commander, said, "It is important to recognize that the speech was a catalyzing moment in the Civil Rights movement and paved the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

McDew spoke of Dr. King's life as well as his own, growing up as "a man of color" and an Air Force member.

McDew said, "We have every right to be proud of our diversity. We all celebrate and honor our unique traditions, our special heritage.

"After all, Dr. King's commitment to excellence inspires us to live up to our own core value of Excellence in All We Do," he said. "But, regardless of our roots, we remain--first, last and foremost--Americans."