Patrick Barbanes

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Today is the national holiday to celebrate the birth and life of Martin Luther King, Jr. This past Friday, the city I live in, Coral Springs, Florida, kicked off a week-end long celebration with a luncheon in honor of Doctor King. It became one of the most treasured moments of my life.

The Guest of Honor was John Lewis, a civil rights pioneer, now a Congressman, and one of my all-time heroes. The works and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are well-known. The incredible works and actions of John Lewis are not as widely known by as many people. If you’re not familiar with the seminal role that John played in the movement, you can read more about him on this wikipedia page.

When I heard that he would be speaking at the luncheon, I could hardly contain myself – I was like a little boy again about to meet Micky Mantle (I tried, but never did).

I had breakfast in Miami with a friend, then SPED up to Coral Springs to make sure I was on time for the luncheon. As I walked into the hotel lobby, Mr. Lewis was right there! I took the time to introduce myself and thank him for all he’s done and is still doing to help make America a better place.

Here I am shaking hands with a true American hero:

I’ve been on cloud nine all weekend, though tempered by the enormous tragedy in Haiti.

Mr. Lewis urged us in the audience that afternoon to do what we could for Haiti. To make a difference.

To that end, I am helping organize a conference/workshop of techies in South Florida, called “Crisis Camp Miami.” The goal, like other “camps” that have already taken place, is to use the skills of the technical community to help create applications that can help the relief work and the support underway, as well as to help develop long-term models for future crisis management.

If you’re in the South Florida area, PLEASE consider helping with the conference, which is scheduled for Saturday, 1/23/10. Details are available at www.crisiscampmiami.org.

If you’re anywhere else, consider organizing a Crisis Camp in your community. (If you need info on how, check out the Miami site or call or email me.) Make a difference!

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