10 Quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr.
that Resonate Today

America again pauses to honor the monumental life and legacy of civil rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK). The annual MLK Day national holiday is an opportune time to ponder some of Dr. King’s timeless words of wisdom and their immense influence on the nation more than half a century later.

Like other giants of American history, MLK showed that great leadership begets great communication (among many other things). His powerful message about the critical importance of racial justice, equal opportunity and economic empowerment  connected with diverse demographics of every race, gender, age, color and creed across the country.

MLK lifted the nation’s moral and spiritual compass to a higher level for the greater good. It’s often said that the past is a prologue. With that in mind, what do you think MLK would say today about racial justice and equal opportunity?

Following are 10 consequential quotes by Dr. King–among many of relevance–which should loudly resonate with all Americans on MLK Day and every day:

1. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

2. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

3. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

4. “The time is always right to do what is right.”

5. People should “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

6. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

7. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

8. “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

9. “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

10. “We have come a long way, but we still have a long, long way to go.”

Heroic Leadership

MLK will always be remembered as a phenomenal leader and great communicator during a pivotal time in American history.

Through his historic leadership and soaring rhetoric, MLK was able to stir the moral conscience of many whites in effectuating positive change for America on a host of divisive issues involving racial justice and equal opportunity.

The results of MLK’s heroic work was memorialized by Congress in landmark legislation, primarily the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Dr. King laid the groundwork for these two sweeping civil rights laws which continue to make the USA a better country.

We can all learn valuable lessons from Dr. King to help positively shape the social fabric of America to effectuate equal opportunity and equal justice for all.

This is especially true in today’s increasingly diverse and divisive society.

3 Questions to Ponder on MLK Day

1. Why do you think the 10 quotes above by Dr. King are relevant today?
2. Which quotes by MLK are your favorite and why (above or otherwise)?
3. How would you describe MLK’s legacy and what it means in the 21st century?

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash