Take Action April 4th – #Revolution Of Values

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation is proud to be a partner in #RevolutionOfValues, a day of creative action on April 4th, 2017, the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s powerful speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence.”

Fifty years later, to walk in his footsteps, to give voice once again to his powerful words, and to kick off a year of efforts by many organizations around the U.S. to remind people of Dr. King’s real message and unfinished work, the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, and partners are sponsoring #RevolutionOfValues.

As truthful and troubling as Dr. King’s Riverside Speech is, his words calling for a “genuine revolution of values” reverberate today. This has always been the advice of our wise ones in indigenous communities.

“[W]e as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a “thing-oriented” society to a “person-oriented” society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered.” This is the most-quoted part of the Riverside Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Thus, we are rising to stand for justice and truth. We are arising for those who came before us and for those yet to come. We encourage artists to be courageous and share your creative voice, explore new terrain, and uphold your culture. Challenge what is wrong and always move forward with strength, respect, and integrity. Dr. King issues a passionate plea to all citizens: “[T]he choice is ours, and though we might prefer it otherwise we must choose in this crucial moment of human history. [Lets hope]… that love is going to have the last word.”

Any individual or organization can take part by hosting an event and/or sharing images or texts via social media inspired by Dr. King’s historic speech. Detailed instructions and resources are available in the free #RevolutionOfValues Toolkit. Download here and join us!