Tables spanned the church and offered a list of questions on many topics such as computer use, presidential accomplishment, future of the country, today’s leaders and popular culture. The questions prompted an array of discussion of generational differences n table manners, discipline in school, racial issues and dress.

“If I didn’t have an excuse for missing school, which I often didn’t, it was two strokes on the hand with a wooden cane,” Barry Jefferson said. “Now, it’s a lot different. It was much stricter when I was in school and it’s interesting to hear what the kids are up to these days, compared to my experience in school.”

Florence eighth-grader Jaden Mooren told Jefferson he admittedly “gets away with things” because he knows he won’t have too much punishment.

“My friends and I goof off a little, because we know we won’t really get into too much trouble,” Mooren said. “If I went to school a long time ago, I think it would be a little different and I probably wouldn’t get away with as much.”

Jefferson told the students of his voyage from England at 13 years old, on the Queen Mary and what it was like living in Southern California during King’s fight for civil rights.

“At that time, there were many alphabet groups, but no doubt Dr. King was the voice for black people,” he said. “I remember when he was assassinated, it was just a terrible, incredibly sad day.”

Students also shared some of the challenges they face today n peer pressure, drugs and heavy media influence.

WORD/Family Resource Bitterroot Coordinator Allison Kinney said she was pleased to hear so many multi-generational conversations.

“It was a fantastic luncheon, something that I think both seniors and students benefited from,” Kinney said. “The day was slated in hopes of creating a community conversation in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and turned into a wonderful opportunity for paths to cross.”

Kinney said the Florence family resource program does a community service project each year and after speaking with Florence school officials, the idea of a multi-generational lunch in honor of King was born.

“It really turned out well and I hope we can do this again,” Kinney said. “It’s a great community conversation and really benefits everyone. I think it’s good for the students to hear what the seniors lived through and good for the seniors to listen to many challenges the kids face.”

All of the valley’s school districts, except for Hamilton, have family resource centers in schools and operate under the mission of involving parents and guardians into their children’s education.

“It’s just marvelous to sit down with so many young faces,” Cecilia Jefferson said. “It’s an important day and it’s important and wonderful to discuss that with young students. I think Dr. King would have been proud.”

Martin Luther King delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 march in Washington. It established King as a national figure and proponent of ending social injustice through civil disobedience and nonviolence.

The following year, King was awarded the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize and was assassinated in 1968.

Eight years ago marked the first time all 50 states officially observed the holiday.

Family resource representatives from Missoula, Superior and Ravalli County attended the luncheon, while Super One Foods and the Florence branch of Farmers State Bank provided the lunch and Majestic Bus Services offered the transportation.

Reporter Jenny Harris can be reached at 363-3300 or at jharris@ravallirepublic.com

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