Smith gives annual MLK address to the House: “The greatest among us should seek to serve’
Today, Jan. 13, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) gave his annual address to the Indiana House of Representatives in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With his day of remembrance approaching, Smith reminds his fellow Hoosiers of the lasting legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. who perfectly embodied Matthew 23:11, “But he that is the greatest among you shall be your servant.”
“Today, I feel like John the Baptist when he referred to Jesus as someone whose sandal straps he was unworthy to tie,” Smith said. “I am unworthy to be compared to the role model exemplar Martin Luther King. However, like him, I can truthfully say I am committed to the service of mankind. I am a debtor, so I serve.
“I owe the fine people of Gary’s Fourth District who elected me to the City Council for four terms, the youngest person to ever serve. I am a debtor, so I serve. I owe the fine people of House District 14 who have allowed me to serve them for over 34 years. I am a debtor, so I serve.
“Martin Luther King once said, ‘Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be the sun, be a star. For it isn’t by the size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.’ In accordance with King’s message, I have tried to be the best servant I can be, no matter the circumstance. I am a debtor, so I serve.
“Dr. Martin L. King is an example of another who came from humble beginnings and chose service. He, like Joseph in the Bible, had to go through bigotry, racism and injustice simply because he wanted peace in America. He had abiding faith in our nation and an audacious faith in the future of mankind, so he served. He dreamed of the day this nation would rise up and live the true meaning of its creed, so he served. He dreamed of the day his four little children would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin, so he served.
“Before Martin Luther King’s murder in Memphis, someone said ‘Kill the dreamer and you kill the dream.’ As I stand here today and celebrate his service, I can truthfully and honestly say that the dream lives. Next Monday, let us celebrate one of America’s fallen leaders. The stone that was rejected has become a cornerstone of this nation.”