Charlotte pastor living the legacy of MLK

These days, Myers Park Baptist Church senior minister, Reverend Dr. Benjamin Boswell, delivers his sermons virtually.

But from the moment he arrived in Charlotte in 2016 amid racial protests after the death of Keith Lamont Scott, he’s been hands on.

“One of my primary tasks would be to educate the congregation about challenges facing the Black community in Charlotte,” Boswell said. “But, also to look at ourselves in the mirror and understand what we as white people to say what is our responsibility to do for the cause of racial justice in our city.”

Certainly, words and actions that draw parallels to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Boswell led his church in erecting a Black Lives Matter sign out front with the mission words of being inclusive, spiritual and just.

And, he created a 7-week spiritual affinity group where white people work to understand more about what it means to be white.

Passionate work that he has not done seeking acclaim.

Boswell is one of the many people who will be profiled in an inspiring, one-hour program that will showcase how members of our community are reflecting on and honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

WSOC-TV anchor Erica Bryant also has a very special surprise for Boswell that you don’t want to miss.

Boswell MLK Surprise Video

From a dream to a destiny, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision still inspires people today.

The Dr. Martin Luther King National Holiday Celebration, presented in partnership with Atrium Health, the City of Charlotte and WSOCTV, will air Monday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in celebrating and promoting the worth of every human being. In his pursuit of equal rights by nonviolent means, Dr. King encouraged diverse cultures to live together in a spirit of love, understanding and service to one another.

In that same spirit, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, through its Community Relations Committee, came together to expand our community’s observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg MLK National Holiday Celebration.

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, public affairs manager at WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.