Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan was today honoured with the prestigious Presidential Award by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
The award recognises his leadership in advancing human rights, social justice, and universal freedom.
The SCLC, founded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957, has been a cornerstone of the American Civil Rights Movement.
The ceremony is part of the lead-up to the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 18, 2016. Jonathan is the first African leader to receive this honour.
A Meeting of Shared Values
Before the ceremony, Jonathan held a private meeting with SCLC President Dr. Charles Steele Jr. During the discussion, Steele proposed collaboration between the SCLC and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation to promote peace and strengthen ties between people of African descent in the diaspora and on the continent.
Jonathan welcomed the proposal, noting that his vision has always been to stabilise and promote democracy and peace in Africa.
“Without peace, you cannot have economic progress,” Jonathan said, reflecting on Nigeria’s role in fostering peace across Africa, including interventions in Côte d’Ivoire during his presidency.
The two leaders agreed to work together on initiatives aimed at advancing global peace and unity.
A Legacy of Service
In his acceptance speech, Jonathan expressed deep gratitude to the SCLC, describing the organisation as inseparable from its founder, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement’s landmark achievements.
“My personal takeaway from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is service to God and the brotherhood and equality of all men before their Creator,” Jonathan said.
“In keeping with that, I have learnt not to look up to any man, except he is taller than I, or to look down on a fellow mortal, except I am admiring his shoes.”
Warm Reception and Collaboration
During the event, Jonathan also received Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sister, Naomi King, in a symbolic moment highlighting the enduring legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.
The ceremony took place at the SCLC’s historic office in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. district of Atlanta, further emphasising the connection between Jonathan’s work and the values championed by Dr. King.
Continuing the Fight for Peace and Freedom
Jonathan’s Goodluck Jonathan Foundation has been at the forefront of advocating for democracy and peace across Africa since his tenure as president.
His collaboration with the SCLC is expected to amplify efforts to address global challenges, including inequality, racial justice, and economic disparity.
This recognition cements Jonathan’s international standing as a statesman committed to fostering peace, unity, and development.
Below are his full remarks at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Remarks by His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference,
Atlanta, on Thursday 14th, January, 2016.
Protocols
I thank the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, for inviting and honoring me today, and especially so, as this invitation comes right about the period when the world stands still in recognition of the selfless sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
When we think of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), it is virtually impossible to separate this worthy body from its founder, the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, or from epoch making landmark events of the American Civil Rights movement.
I am pleased to know that the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is not just one of the great American institutions, it is also one of her more potent vehicles for the advancement of liberty and freedom for all God’s people. For that, I also commend Charles Steele for his leadership and commitment to peace and justice nationally and globally.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s principles of non violent protests played a great part in the independence movement in my native country Nigeria and indeed throughout Africa as a whole.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr witnessed the British Union Jack being lowered in Ghana in 1957 when Ghana became the first Sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, an action which set off a positive chain reaction all over the continent.
In 1963, Ambassador Leslie O. Harriman, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who prosecuted our anti apartheid strategy at the UN, testified of the support he received from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in kick starting that noble effort.
Suffice to say that the efforts of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in advancing Liberty and equal rights transcended national boundaries.
Speaking for my foundation, the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I must say that I have been inspired by this great man and the worthy institutions and legacies he left behind and I am further inspired to continuing doing good and advancing human freedoms just by being present here today.
My personal takeaway from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, is service to God and the brotherhood and equality of all men before their Creator.
In keeping with that, I have learnt not to look up to any man, except he is taller than I, or to look down on a fellow mortal, except I am admiring his shoes.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said: “Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love”.
Those words helped me deliver on my stated promise to deepen democracy in Nigeria and in the process demonstrate through action that nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.
Once again, I thank the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for having me. May God bless you and continue to raise up from among you men and women who will continue in the footsteps of your worthy forebears.
