Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy Readings Worldwide Event

By Celine C. Ford, President, AAFSW, April 18, 2023

“Whatever we do should be done in a spirit of international brotherhood, not national selfishness.” Dr. Martin Luther King.

In collaboration with the DC Black History Celebration Committee, the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW) honored Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy on the 55th anniversary of his assassination on Friday, April 14th, 2023, at the Burns Auditorium of the State Department.

AAFSW’s board of directors, members, and the wider AAFSW s community were pleased to host such an important event at the Burns Auditorium. Led by Her Excellency Hilda Suka-Mafudze, Ambassador of the African Union, representing fifty-five African countries, civil and human rights leaders, advocates, diplomats, officials, and youth, all representing people from around the world, read selected excerpts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s moving and inspiring speeches.

This event highlighted the timeless nature of Dr. King’s legacy at home and abroad. We all know about Dr. King’s role in domestic civil rights, but less is known of his efforts to organize around international affairs. With over 23 Embassies and more nationalities present on this day, AAFSW commemorated Dr. King’s effort as a global leader and his deep respect and understanding of international cooperation. This program was dedicated to Dr. King, who said: “Whatever we do, should be done in a spirit of international brotherhood, not national selfishness.” 

Watch the recording of this program below.

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