DEARBORN — Arab and Muslim American community organizations paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the national holiday dedicated to him, Monday, Jan. 19.

The Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights held an interfaith dinner on Sunday, Jan. 18 to honor King’s legacy. The event was attended by Muslim, Christian and Jewish clergy, community activists and elected officials. 

“We are here today to express our collective appreciation to the life and legacy of a man who was born as Michael lived as Martin and died as a martyr,” Mohamad Ali Elahi, the spiritual leader of the House of Wisdom said. 

Elahi urged the community to continue in King’s footsteps, demanding justice and equality for everyone.  

“We are here this afternoon to remember and reflect on the wonderful vision of Martin Luther King and renew our commitment to continue to work together towards building the beloved community, which was the depth of his dream and the core of his conscience,” he added.

Elahi criticized Duke University’s call to cancel the Muslim call for prayer from the top of a chapel on campus. The university had received threats by anti-Muslim extremists after announcing it was allowing the prayer.

“Obviously [those who sent the threats] are not against ISIS, al-Qaeda and Boko Haram; they complete each other’s job and make markets for one another.”

The Arab-American Civil Rights League (ACRL) paid tribute to King on Monday, describing him as a pioneer who fought tirelessly for civil rights and equality for all.

The organization added in a statement that the battle for civil rights is still ongoing, although we have come a long way since King’s day in the mid-20th century.

“The civil rights of all Americans need to be protected, respected, and cherished,” read the statement. “The ACRL would ask that you all come together today to remember what Dr. King, as well as all civil rights leaders, have given and sacrificed so that others may have a brighter, more equal future.”

ACCESS also paid respect to Martin Luther King on Jan. 19. 

“ACCESS commemorates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and honors his lifelong commitment to protecting the civil and human rights of all people,” the social services organization posted on Facebook.