WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT, MARTIN?

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT, MARTIN? By Thomas Putnam


Remember the movie and the song from 60's “What's It All About, Alfie?” Dionne Warwick sang the title song; and we heard it over and over on the radio. It became one of those running lines that seemed to work its way into many conversations: What's it all about...?" The song continues: “Is it just for the moment we live? ….are we meant to be kind?...I believe in love Alfie...Without true love we just exist.”


What's it all about, Martin? We are having a recognition of the mission and legacy of Martin Luther King next week and I've found myself asking “What's it all about, Martin?” As coordinator for this annual event, I wonder where we are, now nearly 60 years after MLK was assassinated, and coincidentally the movie/song mentioned above. Is setting aside one evening out of the year to sing a few songs that might have something to do with a black man who worked hard to make sure our country treated all citizens with respect.


Is there more? What else could we possibly do in almost monochromatically white Tioga County? Aren't all the citizens in Tioga County treated with respect? There really aren't any differences in the way people are treated due to their color or economic level or religion or political leaning or place of origin, are there? What's it all about, Martin?


The exploration this coming Monday night will hopefully provide some questions. I've long since realized that questions are a whole lot more meaningful and enriching and challenging and nourishing than answers. Join us on Monday night at 7:00 at Wellsboro High School auditorium and let's ask some questions together.

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