There is much meeting for this day, that represents a way of life and action year round. Starting with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. here are words from him and others to reflect on and consider. There are videos of MLK speeches at the end of this post. Consider choosing some of these quotes or letting learners choose ones to discuss and reflect. Perhaps ask them or ourselves:
“What will I do to make a difference starting now?”
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
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.
In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.
Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action.
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
Each person must live their life as a model for others.
Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.
At the time I was arrested I had no idea it would turn into this. It was just a day like any other day. The only thing that made it significant was that the masses of the people joined in.
Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.
Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.
You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Moments through videos
I have a Dream Speech – August 28, 1963
I Have Been to the Mountain top (MLK’s last speech)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDl84vusXos
Very inspiring article.
Thank you. What are your memories or thoughts about MLK’s legacy or his time?
It was a very exciting time, filled with hope. We really felt we could make a difference. We could create a future when black and white, everyone, would be equal before the law.
This is why we felt comfortable bringing children into this world. We were building a future where our children and grandchildren would be safe.
Now it’s 2015. Things are better. But no, all children are not safe. There’s Florida and Ferguson and New York City and …
Our time is running out but our mission is not done: We have not yet created a world where our children and grandchildren “will be judged by the content of their character, but not by the color of their skin.”