Cheers to a New Year with the potential for new beginnings! There are several holidays that are celebrated in January including the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20th. Dr. King was a well-known Civil Rights Activist who work focused on social and racial equality, not only for Black people, but all marginalized communities. He used the philosophy of nonviolent activism and made advancements in civil rights for all people through nonviolent civil disobedience. With the commitment to service in mind, the federal holiday was established in 1983. By honoring his memory and ideals on this day, we can reaffirm our commitment to creating a better future for all. Addressing racial disparities and injustices is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and commitment. Dr. King was a talented orator who was able to connect with audiences by sharing his own experiences and tapping into people’s values of freedom, equality, and justice.
Below are a few quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
- “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
- “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
- “Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
- “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.”
- “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
- “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
- “I have a dream that my four 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.”
- “We will not build a peaceful world by following a negative path.”
- “Ultimately a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.”
- “Hate is too great a burden to bear. I have decided to love.”
- “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”
Let’s use Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to justice and equality for all.