‘Forward with the dream’

He’s a leader and an idol who left a lasting legacy — a mark on American society that changed history.

But to the Rev. Roy Gentry, Martin Luther King Jr. was even more a man of God and a 20th century prophet.

“We need to focus on God — if Dr. King could speak to us here today, that’s what he’d say,” Gentry told about 80 people gathered Monday morning for a breakfast commemorating the well-known civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968.

“When Dr. Martin Luther King was martyred in 1968, America lost a most effective prophet,” Gentry said, the crowd responding with loud amens. “He spoke and prophesied for an oppressed people — and not just the black race … he was a most effective prophet for mankind.”

Gentry called on everyone present, as they commemorated King’s life and legacy, to not forget that the civil rights leader was also an ordained minister.

“Dr. Martin Luther King was a man of God — with emphasis on being a man of God,” Gentry said. “He continues in his absence to be an instrument to bring recognition to God.”

Estella Willard, with the Black Chamber of Commerce, also issued a call to Odessans. Noting that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, she asked those present to remember that MLK Day is “a day on, not a day off.”

“It is the celebration of equality, of freedom and a celebration of a wonderful, wonderful man,” she said. “This is a special holiday.”

Referring to King’s famous 1963 “I have a dream” speech, Gentry exhorted Odessans to remember King’s dreams.

“His most valuable dream was to see … a unified America — unified of heart,” Gentry said. “That’s where change begins. Not with laws passed, the heart: that’s where change begins.

“As we move forward with the dream, we must put God first,” Gentry said. “Let us not forget the God behind Dr. Martin Luther King.”

Monday was the celebration of the birth of Martin Luther King Jr. The slain civil rights leader was born Jan. 15, 1929.

In 1983, Congress passed legislation making MLK Day one of 10 federal holidays.

Federal holidays are:

>> New Year’s Day.

>> Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

>> Washington’s birthday.

>> Memorial Day.

>> Independence Day.

>> Labor Day.

>> Columbus Day.

>> Veteran’s Day.

>> Thanksgiving Day.

>> Christmas Day.