As we witness one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream’s become fulfilled, and America embarks on a new journey with the inauguration of President elect Barack Obama, we must not forget the messages of Dr. Martin Luther King and how he tirelessly fought for civil rights and justice for all. On January 12, 2009, The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) presents “Message In The Music.” This compilation CD makes it possible for today’s younger generation to be exposed to a selection of Dr. King’s messages in an unconventional way. Music artists both known and new, have come together to record original songs with the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King resonating in the background. Each song off the 15 track album reminds us of the hopes and dreams Dr. Martin Luther King had for civil rights in America.

While the music moves you physically, the words of Dr. King move you emotionally. In an impressive collaborative way that is relative to today’s diverse musical tastes, “Message In The Music” features a variety of music formats. There is something for everyone on this album, from the soulful R&B sounds of Lenny Williams with the touching song “Dr. King We Love You,” to the Hip-Hop sounds of Snoop Dogg, and the Pop Dance sounds of new artist Shari Tanizawa. Executive Produced by Kevin Irving of Kirv Entertainment and Lanz Alexander, “Message In The Music” will be available at local churches, major record stores, digitally online as well as the official website www.mlkrecords.com.

The SCLC is still in existence today and proceeds from the sales of “Message In The Music” will benefit the continuous work of this historic organization which now focuses its efforts on hate crimes, discrimination, and police brutality. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was formed in 1957. It had two objectives, one to use nonviolent protest as a method of resistance to discrimination and the other to appeal to the moral conscience of Americans. After extensive discussion, the SCLC was founded by Martin Luther King, Ralph Abernathy, Fred Shuttlesworth, Bayard Rustin, and others. King was elected as the first president and Abernathy served as the treasurer. In the spirit of Martin Luther King,Jr., the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is renewing its commitment to bring about the promise of ‘one nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE’ together with the commitment to activate the ‘strength to love’ within the community of humankind.