To Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others." 

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Born in 1929, Martin Luther King Jr attended Moorehouse College and completed graduate work at Boston University in 1955. Influenced by Mahatma Ghandi, King promoted non-violent actions. He urged sit-ins during the challenges of the civil rights movement. 

King delivered his, "I have a Dream Speech" during the August 1963 March on Washington. This speech defined his aspirations for nonviolent protest in the fight against racial injustice. He truly believed in his line: “I have a dream 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.” 

Everyone in King’s time hoped that they too would one day live in that world, and everyone today might reflect on how the world has changed since the civil rights movement.

In his speeches and writings, King emphasized the importance of the small: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way,” or, “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve.” 

Explore King's life and the power of his words in his book, Why We Can't Wait. He reflects on moments of his life including the events leading up to the civil rights movement, his philosophy on the nonviolent revolution and the "I have a Dream" speech. His peaceful nature, spirituality, and vitality shine throughout the book.

King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. 

On April 4th, 1968 Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated while walking on his balcony.

Let us honor his legacy. We have the power to make a difference.