Burney: Be thinkers and doers

Eunice native Leroy “Pete” Burney urged those attending the 31st Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration to be thinkers and doers.
“While this year’s election has been marked by unprecedented vitriol and meanness, the only way for us to be better citizens who strive for peace and harmony is for us to think for ourselves,” he said at Sunday’s ceremony at the Dr. J.G. Frank Family Life Center, 251 Nimitz St., Eunice.
About 100 people were present for awards, songs, readings and Burney’s message, which appears in its entirety on Page 6.
“You don’t have to be highly educated to ask good questions, to think about what’s right and fair, to control your emotions and try to understand varying points of view, so you can take action in a controlled and productive manner,” he said.
Quoting King, Burney said, “Too often our lives are characterized by high blood pressure of creeds and anemia of deeds.”
Burney suggested doing and affecting change includes attending public meetings, expressing opinions to elected officials, mentoring youth, volunteering and varying the source of news.
“It’s Pete’s humble opinion that your legacy is defined by your ability to think critically so you can make wise decisions and take disciplined action toward solving problems. Legacy is about influencing the lives of those who come behind you, those human saplings that sit in your Sunday School classes and play on this basketball court where we sit today — and even the generations that follow them. Be action oriented because the next generation needs you.”
Burney also stressed the value of being a “disciplined non-conformist.”
Quoting King, Burney said, ““The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined non-conformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.”
For the complete text of Burney’s speech, turn to Page 6.