As we all know, Martin Luther King Day fell on January 17, and we are now going into Black history month, so, in observance of Martin Luther King Day, I am honored to report on one of the most prominent African American leaders, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968). King is known for his advancement of civil rights in the United States and world wide, using nonviolent methods following the teachings of Mahatma Ghandi. I could not help but realize the impact Martin Luther King had on millions of individuals who were inspired, moved, and affected by all that he endured.
King was arrested as well as physically tormented on several occasions for leading peaceful demonstrations in the fight for freedom, and despite efforts to stop his mission, King did not falter in his actions.
There are many speeches King publicly gave to address racial segregation in America. The most dominant of speeches was his “I Have A Dream Speech,” delivered on August 28, 1963. This was the largest gathering of protesters in Washington’s history. It is regarded as one of the finest speeches in the history of American oratory. It was there that he expanded American values of a colorblind society and established his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history.
King was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with many other awards.
Let me just highlight the June 19, 1965, commencement address he delivered to Antioch College’s 296 graduates plus 1200 others who were there:
“Mankind’s survival is dependent on our ability to solve the problem of racial injustice, solve the problem of poverty, and solve the problem of war.We have inherited a great world house in which we have to live together-black and white, Easterners and Westerners, gentiles and Jews, Catholics and Protestants, theists and humanists, Muslims and Hindu.”
And I’d like to leave you with what King spoke earlier about what people should remember him for:
“I’d like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others….I’d like for somebody to say that day that.King.tried to love somebody. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity..Say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter..