Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sidney Poitier

Arthur Duncan – Betty White

Betty White & Arthur Duncan on the Steve Harvey Show – 2017
*Photos AP

They lived these words. In 1954, Betty White had a variety show where she featured a young, talented dancer by the name of Arthur Duncan. She was in her mid-thirties and Duncan was in his early twenties. She was threatened that if she did not eliminate Duncan from her show, some of the stations, especially in the south would cancel her. She refused to be intimidated and boldly stated, “Deal with it!” Many, many years later in 2017, Betty White and Arthur Duncan would be reunited.

Actor Sidney Poitier always made sure all the roles he took reflected images of a strong, black role model. So, as we celebrate and continue to do so the month of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday celebration, we reflect on these individuals who brought honor and dignity and positive role models that everyone could look up to regardless of their race, creed, or color.

C.M.