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In Duke MLK Address, Prosecutor in George Floyd Case Champions America’s ‘Strength in Inclusion’

Judge Jerry Blackwell Urges Hope and Unity Amid Times of Anxiety

During the Martin Luther King Jr. Day service at Duke University, Judge Jerry Blackwell, a Minnesota district court judge who played a pivotal role in the prosecution of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, delivered a powerful message of unity, hope, and inclusion. Addressing the congregation at Duke Chapel, Blackwell called on the audience to “retake your place in the march toward the American ideal” and to overcome the sense of fear and despair gripping the nation.

The service, an annual tradition to honor King’s life and legacy, emphasized the themes of hope and justice. Among the speakers were Duke University President Vincent Price and Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams. As they reflected on the state of the nation, a noticeable tension hung over the event, driven by the political uncertainty surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office. Though speakers refrained from directly mentioning the incoming administration, the political climate of the time was evident in their remarks.

The United in Praise Gospel Choir’s stirring performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the communal singing of “We Shall Overcome” highlighted the event’s connection to the civil rights movement. Yet, it was Blackwell’s words that provided a beacon of hope for those grappling with the national atmosphere of division and anxiety.

Judge Jerry Blackwell Duke University MLK address

Strength in Unity: Blackwell Defends Diversity and Inclusion

Throughout his address, Blackwell stressed that the challenges the country faces—divisiveness, fear, and political unrest—should not deter Americans from their shared pursuit of the ideals that have always been central to the nation. He specifically addressed critics who view the nation’s diversity and commitment to inclusion as weaknesses, defending these values as core to America’s founding identity.

Using the Latin phrase “e pluribus unum” — meaning “out of many, one” — Blackwell emphasized that America’s strength lies in its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds. He rejected the notion that inclusion is an obstacle to national success, insisting that the very idea of the nation itself relies on unity.

“If you think that is wokeness and wrong historically, then the very idea of America — e pluribus unum — is wrong historically,” Blackwell said. “If that ideal represents disunity, then how can there be any concept of unity?”

In his speech, Blackwell echoed a central message of Dr. King’s legacy: the fight for justice, unity, and progress is not about division but about coming together to tackle the common challenges facing the nation. He noted that the success of the American experiment, as conceived by the founding fathers, depends on the ability of the people to come together despite their differences.

An American Ideal: Democracy and Participation for All

Continuing his call for unity, Blackwell quoted former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who famously stated that the Constitution “foresees their participation.” He urged the audience to consider that without the participation of every citizen, the very system of government and democracy would fail. In a time of political polarization, Blackwell’s message reminded listeners that democracy is a collective responsibility.

“Whatever your political stripe, whatever your orientation, we rise or fall together as will all of the buttons on one common shirt,” he remarked, invoking Dr. King’s powerful metaphor of the “single garment of destiny.” It was a call to action for all Americans to recognize that, despite their differences, the fate of the nation is tied together. Blackwell’s reminder that “nobody’s going anywhere” served as a counter to the notion that disunity could offer a solution.

Blackwell’s address emphasized that America’s challenges are not insurmountable, but they require active participation from all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. Only through mutual understanding, respect, and a shared commitment to the country’s founding principles can the nation overcome its present struggles.

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