BonnerSprings.com

America has come far since the days of slavery, but there is still a long way to go as rage remains as a catalyst for lingering injustices.

This is the idea behind the talk to be given by the featured speaker at the 22nd annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Bonner Springs. Javan Owens plans to address those attending the celebration with the theme, “From Civil rights to Civil Discourse.”

“America has come a long way from its shameful history of slavery and Jim Crow,” wrote Owens about his chosen theme for the celebration. “But there are manifestations everywhere that racism and injustice have not been eradicated. On the contrary, America is angrier. This simmering rage is evident in the alienation that populations feel from one another. If there is no intervention, this unresolved rage will consume our nation.”

At the celebration, which will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at the First Christian Church, 148 Nettleton, Owens plans to propose a way for Americans to get back on track for what Martin Luther King, Jr. spent his life fighting to achieve.

“(I propose returning) to the old model of civil rights activism that seeks truth, forgiveness, and reconciliation,” Owens wrote. “With truth as the guide along the path, all Americans can arrive at community together.”

Kay Shevling, chair of the event, said Owens was a fitting speaker for the event as not only a 1985 graduate of Bonner Springs High School, but also the son of Rev. John and Gloria Owens, who spearheaded the Bonner Springs celebration 22 years ago.

Owens currently serves as the chief of the Family Advocacy Program for the United States Army in Ft. Lewis, Wash., where there are 25,000 troops and 80,000 family members.

Shevling said Owens work with families and children would make him an interesting speaker for the Martin Luther King, Jr. event because it’s at a young age when beliefs and behaviors are learned. She said so much anger had continued throughout the country’s history, and it was being taught at an early age.

“We have so much uncivil discourse going on in this country right now,” Shevling said. “People are yelling at each other, they’re insulting each other. That only exacerbates the problem.”

On a personal level, Shevling said she felt this problem first hand, which was what brought her to Bonner Springs.

“I was living in New Orleans, and I didn’t want my kids to grow up in a place like that,” Shevling said. “I was looking for a place that was diverse so my kids could learn and know people from different cultures.”

The theme of love triumphant against hate has been consistent at past Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations in Bonner Springs.

“We talk a lot about loving each other,” Shevling said. “It has really been an important part of (the event.) I think that’s so important.”

In addition to Owens’ speech, Shevling said as usual, the event would be full of music.

The program will feature Roy Watson at the keyboard and several musical groups such as the eighth-grade choir from Clark Middle School, the NAACP Centennial Choir and the Singspiration Musicians.

“I think the people really enjoy the music,” Shevling said. “I think it’s just going to be really exciting.”

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