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Interview with Gary Cowger

Following is an interview with Global Group Vice President, General Motors Corp. and Co-Chair of the Executive Leadership Cabinet of The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation.

Q. Why did General Motors get involved in the memorial project and why is it so important for corporations to support the building of the memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

A. Dr. King had a vision of an America united by the ideals of fairness and justice, regardless of race, color, creed or ethnicity. General Motors believes that there is no better time to assert freely and openly, and for the world to see, that King’s dream is our dream. Moreover, American business has always done its part, from manufacturing tanks, trucks and bombers in World War II to reassuring consumers in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.

Q. At the time Dr. King wrote “The American Dream” speech in 1965, he stated that, “America is essentially a dream.” After listening to that speech, describe what you think the “American Dream” means to people today.

A. The essence of Dr. King’s speech is that the dream as envisioned by our nation’s Founding Fathers in the Declaration of Independence was unfulfilled. And for millions of Americans it was true, as segregation was still legal in many parts of the country in the early 1960s. We were two nations then. But our nation has come a long, long way since then, thanks to the tireless efforts of people like Martin Luther King Jr. And even though our job is not done, I think that most people would agree that there has been tremendous progress.

Q. What does, “Building the dream called America,” mean to you?

A. It means trying to realize the vision articulated by Dr. King of an America united by the ideals of the justice and fairness. It means that everyone belongs in the game, that anyone can play, and that the rules be fair and fairly applied.

Q. How do you think this memorial will benefit future generations and help build American culture today?

A. Preserving the legacy of Dr. King through a memorial on the Mall will serve as a constant reminder that we must be vigilant in the protection of his vitally important dream.

Q. Why are Dr. King’s words in “The American Dream” speech timeless?

A. The words of Dr. King’s “The American Dream” speech are timeless because he reiterates the inclusiveness of the American creed that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.” King’s words are timeless because he boldly and poetically proclaimed that these words apply to all Americans.

Q. How do you feel to be associated with the efforts to build this memorial?

A. This is a great honor to be involved in such esteemed project – a monument in our nation’s capital for generations to come. I was a 20-year-old college student when Dr. King was assassinated. I have witnessed how much our nation and the world has changed since then. Much of the positive change that has come about is result of his courageous efforts and those who worked beside him. Likewise, General Motors is proud to partner with the Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation to honor the extraordinary and historic contributions of Dr. King.

Q. Describe your company’s contribution and how your participation will benefit the memorial, your company, and your employees?

A. General Motors has contributed $10 million to the project. It is an honor to be connected with such an important project and I believe it will be a source great pride for our employees and their families, many of whom have benefited from Dr. King’s leadership or participated in events he led.

Q. What would you say to another CEO about why they should be involved in this effort?

A. I would say that we believe this memorial will say as much about the present and future as it does about the past. Supporting the memorial will demonstrate where we as a people and we as business leaders stand now, and where we intend to lead well into the future.