Today in the United States we honor and commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., – the civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and 1964 Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
His speeches, protests, and writings brought attention to injustice and poverty in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
And his words continue to inspire activists in the United States today who work towards social justice rather than submit to unjust laws.
Here are a few of his quotes that resonate with me.
On service to others:
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’
On prejudice in the United States:
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
His letter from the Birmingham, Alabama jail (audio),
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
From ‘Paul’s Letter to American Christians’:
Oh America, how often have you taken necessities from the masses to give luxuries to the classes.
On standing up:
The ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
On moving forward:
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Learn About His Life and Work
You can find thousands of articles and stories about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. online.
One of my favorite sites is The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University where you can find:
- I Have a Dream Speech, given at the March on Washington (audio and text)
- Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence, also referred as Riverside Church speech (audio and text)
- Drum Major Instinct sermon delivered at Second Ebeneezer Church (audio and text)
I started my day listening to King’s reading of his letter from the Birmingham, Alabama jail.
How are you spending Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Photo in the public domain, by unknown? via Wikimedia Commons
