Reverend compares Martin Luther King to Christ

In an active, energetic and boisterous performance entitled, "The Emancipation From Poverty," Rev. James A. Forbes, Jr. compared the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., slain civil rights leader, with that of Christ.

Forbes called the crowd to become part of the group dedicated to narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor.

The "poor" were defined as those without the basic necessities, those with low self-esteem, those who have no one to care for them and those with a false sense of security.

"We are all poor in some way," Forbes said. "The real emancipation is for all of us to recognize our impoverishments."

The recognition of every person's impoverishments, Forbes believes, will lead people to a better understanding of themselves and to the point where they can work together to help each other.

"I thought it was really interesting that he thought we should all work together to create synergy in the world," said Laura Winkelbauer, a State College resident.

Forbes reminded the crowd of Bible stories that glorified the poor and damned the rich, and of how Jesus was killed for proclaiming this value. The parallel was drawn between King's and Jesus' dedication to the poor.

The message of King, Forbes believes, is associated by many people only with his "I Have A Dream" speech. Forbes also believes that the public must look at King as a minister and a spreader of Jesus' message.

"He insists that (President) Clinton's programs (for the poor) are not acceptable," said Clyde Woods, professor of African-American studies. "He believes that we must revitalize King's legacy for a new society."

The 11 people in attendance were not what Forbes expected, he said.

"There are times when a speaker is expecting large crowds to talk to, but when there is a large idea, it is sometimes acceptable to share this idea to afford the opportunity for interaction . . ." Forbes said.

The speech took place at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, which sponsored the event last night. It was one of the first events to celebrate Black History Month at the University.

Forbes, the senior minister of the Riverside Baptist Church in New York City, is the first African-American man to be ordained with that position in the church. Forbes was named one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English-speaking world by Newsweek. He was also named one of America's greatest black preachers by Ebony in 1984 and 1993.