hmmm... at the risk of sounding "narrow minded", why are we celebrating MLK in the Mass? Independence Day is one thing, but MLK???

http://www.ccwatershed.org/blog/2014/jul/4/should-we-sing-patriotic-hymns-mass/

Francis, Scott,

In fairness, BhCordova didn't ask "appropriate music for Mass".

BhCordova,

Assuming Francis and Scott are right, why are you trying to plan music for the celebration of Martin Luther King day? I"ll go a step farther than Francis will on this one: "holidays" which aren't on the LITURGICAL calendar shouldn't be celebrated as if they are.

Ubi caritas with translation if necessary? We’ve learnt Ola Gjeilo’s version.

Melo,

You've assumed that, mostly, music from what I think is termed "the Black experience" is appropriate.

If he had become Catholic, I might support the singing of Amazing Grace, which I usually abhor.

Chris, the only thing I assumed was the OP's request for appropriate music for MLK day meant what it asked. I presumed not to provide any lecture, admonishment or snark such as others have offered instead via comment and video clips. Honestly speaking, the pedantry and pettiness proffered here is off-putting in extremis, not to mention a predilection and preference for alliteration!

Chris, the only thing I assumed was the OP's request for appropriate music for MLK day meant what it asked.

So I guess it's irrelevant that he posted it in a forum which is for liturgical music discussion?

Gentlemen,
I'll forego addressing any contention now and further after this observation: this forum has seen more than its fair share of non-liturgical music digressions to which most folks have been a party.
PS. I still and yet haven't identified those parties; no one need have taken umbrage. And to be clear and precise (which my language was), the OP requested music for the DAY. Nothing was mentioned specifically about a ritual usage.

Stimson, congratulations upon your postulate.
Help me out: how does the scriptural allusion "Nigra sum" inform MLK day?

How appropriate. I was hoping it wasn't a joke.

I took the Nigra Sum suggestion literally, and thought that it could be an appropriate choice.

I would need to think on this more, and ask around, but I'm just saying I wouldn't rule it out off-hand. I know many people of color who use this line as a sort of spiritual motto of sorts, and I think it shows up in some relevant 20th c. literature on black pride, etc.

I didn't mean it as a joke. I'm sure the late reverend doctor would see no problem using the cultural patrimony of the church to speak for all people. I mean, such was his "dream", yes?

I know I said I wouldn't comment further, Chris, but your assertions are simply wrong-headed. To nullify your assertion, not one of the titles I listed is secular. Neither are they considered by African-Americans to be "black music." The first two are standard, traditional hymnody. The next two are idiomatic gospel tunes and texts, not necessarily tied to a "black" ethos. LAND OF REST isn't a black spiritual, au contraire. Tom Kendzia is Caucasian. "Free at last" is, again, religious and was cited by Dr. King at the DC March. And, of course, it is not "my spiritual."
Look, I want to be done with this, and wish not to be further baited and extenuated. Helping a colleague on the forum was my only intent. The extent of the fraternal corrections herein have proven less than friendly.

Well, MLK Day is a holi(holy) day.

Today's Robert E Lee day.

USPS ought to issue a stamp!

(Just sayin'.)

At least it would be a better-looking stamp.

They are not off limits... we are simply questioning what kind of event this is? The answer is still unknown.

I would LOVE to have a recording of it if it was a Mass.

1. an MLK event is NOT a Mass!

2. I would love to have a recording of it if it WAS a Mass for posterity's sake. (and maybe for documentation of what state our church is presently suffering for the example of future reference)

3. an MLK event that includes my three selections shows what I think of putting MLK on a religious pedestal. (at a Catholic Mass)

nuff said.

4. bunk debunked.

5. ...and it seems that you like to continue the snark.

Independence Day is one thing, but MLK???

If the idea is to stand on principal, it considerably weakens one's case to suggest some federal holidays are more equal than others. If anyone really thinks this is one of their holidays, consider this quote:

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

And to respond to the OP, April 4 is a feast day in the ECUSA, with apt propers.

RM

No federal holidays belong in the Mass. But many of us are forced to play ATB or other patriotic songs that have no place in the Mass. I play them reluctantly for a closing hymn if I am asked by the priest. Otherwise I don't include patriotic songs, hymns or fireworks at mass.

Now that Mr. Trump is President of these (allegedly) United States -- should we play "Hail to the Chief" at Mass?

There have been many masses commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising, whose leaders included Protestants, socialists, and at least one homosexual.