Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968)- Civil rights activist & minister Credit image: Biography.com
Today, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr, a minister and activist.
Born January 15, his birthday became a national holiday. And is celebrated every third Monday in January. He fought and led the movement for civil rights and the right to vote for African-Americans. Through his and many others efforts with non-violence. Which then led to the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And the Voter Rights Act of 1965.
Later Martin Luther King, Jr. would expand his efforts. Helping to address the economic and unemployment problems not only of African-Americans. But of all races.
Martin Luther King, Jr. is known as an inspirational leader. He was also an inspirational speaker. One of his most famous speeches is his “I Have a Dream” speech. But the speech he gave after being honored the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 is just as powerful and inspiring.
Excerpt
I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. I believe that even amid today’s mortar bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow. I believe that wounded justice, lying prostrate on the blood-flowing streets of our nations, can be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men. I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down men other-centered can build up.
Read the full speech here.
Watch video of speech:
He made a difference for all people. Human rights are for everyone. Scary to think there are still countries where people are denied those rights, such as in the Middle East.
Best line – right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.
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Yes he did. It’s sad that he didn’t live longer to continue his work. And it’s also scary where we’re still fighting for human rights in the US.
I like that line too.
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Thanks for the reminder:)
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It’s always important to remember what he fought for. And unfortunately, what’s still being fought for. Didn’t realize that when I was younger, but definitely know it now.
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Truly a great man!
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Indeed he was.
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Such a phenomenal speaker. Listening to his speeches always gives me chills. So important that we celebrate him and that we teach our children about his fight for equality for all. “I believe that what self-centered men have torn down men other-centered can build up.” Very powerful.
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Yes. The rights we have today, that he fought for, has been mostly taken foregranted. The man and his efforts should not be forgotten.
That’s another line I love from this speech.
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More people need to read his work and think about his life beyond the March on Washington—he was a radical activist seeking justice in an unjust world, and his words remain so relevant to our lives today. His work continues.
Thanks for sharing!
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Very true. He did so much more than the March on Washington, bus boycotts and sit ins. He tried to bridge the gap of the racial divide. And fight for the poor. Both of which still persist today.
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Definitely a man with deep insight. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Yes. He recognized and fought for the issues no matter the costs. Because he believed in a better tomorrow for everyone was possible.
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he will always be remembered. great post
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