Judge Warren, bar associations, Patriot Week teach high school students about MLK

prev
next

Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren teamed with several local bar associations and Patriot Week recently to teach Detroit high school students about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.  Lawyers and law students from the Wolverine Bar Association, the Straker Bar Association, the Black Women Lawyers Association and the Damon Keith Center joined Judge Warren in programs at the Cornerstone Health + Technology High School and White Academy.

The program renewed the spirit of America by educating the students about Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, vision, and importance today. The presentation involved an overview of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, an historical overview of racial justice through the civil rights era, highlights of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy and a reading and teaching about King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.  Students then participated in intimate break-out sessions led by the lawyers and law students.  Principal Michael Griffie concluded the program with inspiring comments about how to keep the American Dream alive.

“Martin Luther King Jr. is an indispensable figure in America’s striving to fulfill what our Declaration of Independence explains is a ‘self-evident’ truth – equality,” said Warren.  “This was an outstanding activity to renew the spirit of America.  Our republic will not survive if our students are not well versed in our founding First Principles – such as equality – and understand that we will only enjoy the blessings of freedom so long as they fight for them.  The educators at Cornerstone and White Academy are superb role models for educators across the nation.”

Warren is the co-founder of Patriot Week with his then 10-year-old daughter Leah (www.PatriotWeek.org), a former member of the State Board of Education, and author of “America’s Survival Guide, How to Stop America’s Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History.” 

Patriot Week is anchored by the key dates of September 11 (the anniversary of the terrorist’s attacks) and September 17 (Constitution Day, the anniversary of when the United States Constitution was signed). Patriot Week is a grassroots effort to celebrate and honor America by commemorating its First Principles (the rule of law, equality, unalienable rights, the Social Compact, limited government and the right to alter or abolish an oppressive government), key historical figures, founding documents and symbols.