Linda Forte Patricia McCann
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”…..Dr. Martin Luther King
At this time of the year as we reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., so often we are reminded of Dr. King’s dream and vision of human beings living together across this land in unity and harmony.
But we also should remember that Dr. King would never have been able to assume a position of leadership without his education. Because of his high performance on college entrance examinations taken during his junior year of high school, Dr. King entered Morehouse College at the tender age of 15.
In 1948, Dr. King graduated from Morehouse with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and that fall he was seeking more knowledge, leading him to Crozer Theological Seminary. Dr. King earned a bachelor’s of divinity degree from Crozer in 1951 and a PhD in systematic theology from Boston University in 1955.
The events that would follow in Dr. King’s life were literally world-changing affairs, but the case can be made that those events would not have been possible without the excellent education Dr. King acquired. Therefore, as we reflect on Dr. King’s life and draw strength from his legacy of service, we also are reminded of the power of education and the role a developed mind plays in the fulfillment of all dreams.
In that spirit we are proud to announce that Comerica is recruiting employee volunteers to participate in the new Detroit Public Schools Reading Corps. We look forward to working with the thousands of former teachers, retirees, grandparents, stay-at-home moms, corporate employees, local journalists and other concerned members of our community who have already pledged support to this important cause.
At stake, is far more than a means of raising scores on standardized tests. The DPS Reading Corps, and all efforts geared toward elevating the level of education for our youth, provides an opportunity for all children to fulfill their dreams. And when we do this, we also honor Dr. King’s dream for our society.
Linda Forte is Comerica Bank senior vice president of Business Affairs and chief diversity officer. She can be reached at ldforte@comerica.com. Patricia McCann is Comerica Bank vice president of Business Affairs and national Civic Affairs manager. She can be reached at pmccann@comerica.com.
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