Revolution of Values: Revisiting Dr King’s “Beyond Vietnam” Speech 

Thursday • April 4 • 7:00 PM • In-Person at the RCNV • 612 Ocean St. • Santa Cruz • Wheelchair accessible • FREE

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s profound legacy, the Resource Center for Nonviolence, co-sponsored by the NAACP Santa Cruz County, invites you to Revolution of Values: Revisiting MLK’s Beyond Vietnam In Our Fight Against Genocidal Wars. This event, set against the backdrop of ongoing conflict and human suffering, seeks to echo Dr. King’s timeless call for a seismic shift in our moral compass—toward justice, peace, and a profound empathy that transcends borders.

A Night of Reflection and Renewal:

April 4th, the anniversary of Dr. King’s groundbreaking speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence,” serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of his message. Delivered in New York City in 1967, Dr. King bravely condemned the atrocities of war, linking the fight against racism to a broader struggle against all forms of oppression, including economic exploitation and militarism. Today, as we witness the deepening crisis from Israel and Palestine to the Congo, his words resound with an urgent clarity, compelling us to act in the face of injustice.

Embracing Dr. King’s Vision:

Join us at the Resource Center for Nonviolence for an evening dedicated to igniting a “revolution of values” within our hearts and our community. Through a community reading of “Beyond Vietnam,” we will explore the speech’s profound implications for our current global landscape, especially the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Our panel of distinguished speakers, including Thairie Ritchie, Muna AlSheikh, David H. Anthony III, Sarah Cruse, and Bhavananda Lodkey, will delve into the speech’s resonance with today’s struggles for justice and peace.

The Power of Collective Action:

This event is a call to action—a summons to embody the principles Dr. King championed. By revisiting his words, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of global conflicts and the shared humanity that binds us. The “Revolution of Values” event challenges us to confront the divisive forces of hate and to forge a path toward reconciliation and understanding, particularly in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

A Journey Towards Peace:

“Revolution of Values” is an opportunity for deep reflection and meaningful dialogue. It is a chance to examine the roots of conflict, to understand the narratives of those caught in the crossfire of war, and to recommit ourselves to the pursuit of peace. By engaging with Dr. King’s message, we acknowledge the complexity of Israel-Palestine and the Congo and affirm our dedication to nonviolent resolution and the protection of human rights for all.

You’ll find more information and registration here.