Four scholars discussed last Wednesday at the Hillel House various religious aspects of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life.

This panel-style program lasted for more than one hour with 30 people in attendance.

The first to speak was Vincent Harding, who recently retired from the Iliff School of Theology where he was professor of religion and social transformation. He also founded the Veterans of Hope Project and was a friend and colleague of the civil rights leader.

Harding and his wife attended Ebenezer Baptist Church where King was a co-pastor alongside his father.

Harding pointed out that King was a clergyman before becoming a civil rights activist. King was a firm believer in using the teachings of Jesus Christ in everyday life, said Harding.

“King demonstrated his faith by getting close to the most rejected people in society, such as the poor and the jailed,” said Harding, “not by shouting it on the streets.”

Harding concluded by stating that clergymen are by no means the only people with the ability to be passionate and courageous.

Luis Leon spoke next. He teaches in the Department of Religious Studies and is writing a book titled American Religious Politics from the Border: Cesar Chavez in light of Gandhi and Martin Luther King.

“Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez were all men who put their faith into action,” said Leon when discussing the influence King had on Chavez, and the impact that Gandhi had on them both.

Leon pointed out that Chavez stated on numerous occasions that King’s example helped his own movement tremendously.

“Chavez followed King’s movement from the bus boycott on,” said Leon.

Ibrahim Kazerooni was the third panelist. He is a member of the doctoral program between the Iliff School of Theology and DU. He is from Iraq. Kazerooni discussed how King was a man who embodied core human values.

He went on to say that in Islam, the prophet Abraham is such a person.

Kazerooni also talked about what it was like to be discriminated against in obtaining a job. He told a story about having to undergo a “skin test” before being given a managerial job in South Africa. The position was only open to people with white skin.

“We have not finished the work that King started,” Kazerooni said.

Ralph Beechum, preacher at The House of Joy Deliverance Church in Denver, was the last to speak. He spoke about how King’s legacy plays out in cities today, given his work in local churches. Beechum drew from his personal religious experiences and struggles, and compared them to those King would have encountered.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. preached nonviolence, and because of this, brought violence upon himself,” said Beechum.

The program ended with a question-and-answer session, in which the audience participated. The event was part of the two-week- long celebration of King’s legacy and life that is being held on campus.