On January 17, 2022, our nation will recognize and honor the life and birthday of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It has been 53 years since we last heard him speak the night of April 3, 1968, at the Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ Headquarters) in Memphis, Tennessee. On the following day, King was assassinated at the age of 39. At King’s funeral, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, (President Emeritus of Morehouse College) stated in his eulogy that “It is not how long one lives, but how well.”
I can remember being a nine year old child watching the black and white television in my home and hearing Dr. Mays make that statement. There was something in those words that stirred my spirit: It’s not how long, but how well. Those words inspired me to learn more about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During my years at Morehouse College I studied his writings; I became friends with his children; I sang in the White House with his widow, Coretta Scott King. It’s probably fair to say that I became a bit obsessed with the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
His words challenged my mind and pierced my soul. His message is timeless. His words still inspire, and yet, depress at the same time, because the message that he gave in the 50’s and 60’s is still a message that seems to not be heard and embraced by many.
As we pause to remember and reflect on the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I offer these quotes to ponder:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?''
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice."
“We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
If you’re interested in celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, here is information on local events:
In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I will continuously work this year to continue to spread his message and make his dream a reality. Will you join me?
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