As the community gave an appreciative farewell to Father Boniface Hardin, I located what turned out to be the Recorder’s last interview with this great man who gave everything he had to activism, education, ministry and service.
Although the discussion was primarily devoted to unveiling of the Martin Luther king Jr. Memorial in Washington, Hardin also discussed other topics.
Here are a few excerpts from that final interview:
On the status of African-Americans.
“I’m really happy about it (the King Memorial), but it also reminds us that the work is not yet done. We’re still not free yet. There’s too many things that are still happening similar to the struggles we had in the ‘60s. We still have much to do, and money is a problem, but the bigger problem is still hatred.”
On Martin University.
“Someday people will honor Indianapolis because we have a Martin University. It is the only institution of higher learning that is dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr., not only in the United States but the world. We have our own monument to him here and it’s dedicated to learning. That recognition will come in due time.”
On President Obama
“To me, both Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama are prophets. Prophecy is when you speak on behalf of God. Martin spoke to us about God’s will and how we should love one another, and he put up with a lot of stuff. I think our president shares in that prophecy, because he holds his anger back. He tries to find reconciliation, and has tried to bring the Republicans over to what is best for the country.”
On his later years.
“Sometimes when you get a little older there’s a tendency for people to pass you by, and there’s not many of us left from the generation that was active in the ‘60s. So we really appreciate it when people do us honor. Actually, I don’t have to be acknowledged or anything. I still love Indianapolis and this is where I’ll be when the Lord calls me.”
