In his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stated, “I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the “isness” of man’s present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal “oughtness” that forever confronts him. I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsom and jetsom in the river of life, unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him.”
In previous years Heartland Conservation Alliance together with KC Parks invited you to honor the spirit, work, and relevant words of Dr. King, Jr. through a nature walk starting at MLK Jr. Square Park and concluding at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center. But due to concerns of the Covid-19 pandemic, a pandemic that has disproportionately affected the health and safety of the Black community, we have decided it is best not to gather this year.
However, we do not want to let this day go unnoticed. Heartland Conservation Alliance is dedicated to conserving natural areas, convening community members, and connecting people to nature, and we wish to honor Dr. King, Jr. by offering opportunities for you to connect with nature and learn about the importance of protecting the environment for our future communities.
We invite you to research and explore the following opportunities suggested by The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, which stands in tribute to the legacy of Kansas City’s early African-American pioneers and embodies the artistic, cultural, and social history of the African-American experience. Find the events recommended by the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center here>>
We encourage you to experience the traditional Nature Walk in a self-guided tour with the route provided below. Spend time outside. Pay attention to the details of nature and consider the ways humans and nature are connected, and how the Blue River is an asset to the community. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man dedicated to service and it is our duty to follow his guidance and be of service to nature. It is through service to nature and others we can create a healthier future for all. Find the Nature Walk Map here>>