Yes, Mary, and the beautifully progressive, righteous policies he would love to enact in the Senate would implement a lot of Dr. King's dream for social justice and a far better America.
Not so amazing, Kathy. My dear wife Laura would have wanted me to participate in any discussion about Dr. King. Her progressive mother gathered Laura (b.1953) and her younger siblings around the tv back in the 1960s for numerous civil rights speeches and events. So from a very early age Laura was profoundly moved by Martin's superbly eloquent, inspiring words. Later in life she would often challenge anyone manifesting any racism (or complicity with racism). Yes, she had a lot of fire in her, not just sweetness, beauty, and that all-embracing loving-kindness.
Thank you so much for this post. I just finished reading Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s letter from the Birmingham Jail. The first time ever reading it. Not much has changed since then. For me, this letter is as important as Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, among the others you mentioned. His love not only for humanity, his faith, and for the ideals this country was founded upon shines through. It’s such a shame how little importance is placed upon it when teaching about the history of the United States. I am proud to now have read this, and that I am an extremist for love.
I’ve witnessed segregation firsthand while visiting my parents families in both Northern Ireland and Scotland in the 1970’s/80’s. Both my parents emigrated here for a better life. Both thought very highly of both MLK and the Kennedys. I’ve participated in non violent protests in front of the UK embassy in the late 70’s, often to no avail. I remember when the first hunger strikers died in Long Kesh. I have family that were imprisoned there. Another piece of history that parallels the championing of overcoming segregation in religion, politics and education. What upsets me is even my siblings seem to have forgotten what our own family went through, and our family history is no different. Probably way too much information, but I find it relevant and in solidarity for my fellow Americans marginalized because of the color of their skin, religious beliefs and/or who they love.
Thank you so much for listening.. I am very upset to see my siblings, while very much aware of our family history, cannot see the parallels between the slow and laborious march for civil rights both in America and in our personal family history. Both have been/are under oppressive government laws and actions. Christian nationalism and ill gotten pride.
Thank you Steve for this inspiring tribute to MLK. I'm posting a link to Mahalia Jackson singing Jericho on stage with MLK. (link above) I love the way MLK is smiling and the passionate and loving energy in the church. MLK: "We Have A Movement" I feel deeply touched and inspired when I watch this. We must continue to realize MLK's vision. We still have a dream. Thank you all here today!
I read this earlier and listened to his speech. Growing up in central Indiana, in a small all white community, during the 60’s and 70’s, was a confusing time. So much was happening, so much was changing. I think trying to take it all in as a kid & teenager and then observing and listening to the adults lead to the confusion. My family members were racist, all our parents were. No other way of saying it. I don’t think I thought that at the time, but I remember being quietly shocked at things that were said.
So I had to learn about MLK later in life, as I gained exposure to the world outside of that small community. Sadly, not a great deal has changed, some, but not what one would expect these many years later.
Hearts and minds. Can be difficult to reach/change for those still living in their protective bubble.
I will be reflecting on this all day. Thank you for posting the links. I was immediately drawn to this quote in the letter,
“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. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial “outside agitator” idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.”
Too often we fail to recognize this (or just don’t care).
May we all pause and consider our actions, not just today but each and every day, and the effect they have on other races, colors, creeds, religions, and national origins.
America is a wonderfully flawed country, but together we can fulfill the “Dream” of what America can be.
Thank you, Joshua, for highlighting these powerful words written by MLK. Excellent!
Also, you say "May we all pause and consider our actions, not just today but each and every day, and the effect they have on other races, colors, creeds, religions, and national origins." Thank You!
Today is a call to reflection and action. What must we do, today, tomorrow, next week, next year to bring his vision to reality. Good to commemorate but better to act.
Thank you Steve for honoring Dr Martin Luther King today with something more than common platitudes. That letter you linked to is a gem capturing the essence of Dr King and what he believed. We can all honor Dr King in word and deed by helping to ensure that his vision lives on today in spite of the hatred and gaslighting that is so prevalent. There are a lot of topics you could have written about today but I’m so glad you wrote this one.
Hatred may have taken Dr. King's mortal being but it has not extinguished his eternal flame. His memory and achievements in Human rights have brought us out of the shadows of segregation into a more righteous America. We will always have hatred from the misguided who will never believe in the brotherhood of man. However, they are now in the minority and as each day renews a new opportunity for a better day arises with the sunrise. We are a long way off from the promise land but the journey is ongoing. There may be delays along the way but the progress and momentum will move ever forward. Hate may win a minor skirmish but can never win a war for freedom. Love is stronger than hate and love will win and carry us across the finish line to a better future.
I have always thought it haunting, like Lincoln, He seemed to know His life would not be a long life. I think the monument in Washington was breathtaking. And was happy to see the sculpture unveiled in Boston yesterday. He will always remain, in my mind, one of the heroes of our Country. We need more MLK and no KKK if we are to ever have a peaceful Country.
America is a racist country. We must face the fact that while not everyone is a racist at least 45% of the US is. The American approach to different races is a dichotomy. All of our ancestors immigrated to this great country from somewhere else. They were escaping poverty, religious bigotry, hunger and classism. Our ancestors brought with them the treatment they had experienced in their former countries. Unfortunately, they inflicted the same racist, classism, religious bigotry they fled from onto the original peoples of this land. When enslaved people were introduced by the Spanish conquistors the were treated with distain and racism. For 45% of the voting population these attitudes of hate and fear still exist. We are a young country soon to be 250 years old. Our experiment of inclusiveness is still a ongoing progression. 158 years have passed since the end of slavery. We have progressed from 100% of the population hating black people and other races to 45%. I guess we could call that progress.
So well said. The fact that our ancestors (whatever generation) brought both the good of promise and everything that they were emigrating from. And the more ingrained it’s become, the further the slope we’re been sliding.
And I think that the majority of the other 55% of whites are unconsciously racist. I joined two different group of blacks and whites following the Mother Emmanuel massacre in 2015. I was astounded to realize that I was, completely unconsciously, a racist. It was a very humbling and powerful time for me. I had no idea.
I think it is difficult for any culture to truly put themselves into the minds of the oppressed. However, I do believe there are many white people, who really do not see color when looking at a person. Myself included.
What a wonderful thing! I wonder if living in the South, in the heart of slavery, makes it more difficult, particularly in years past. I've lived here in Charleston, SC for 41 years. Thinking back over those past decades, I believe that I lost some of my color-blindness from my years in the North. Different interactions between both blacks and whites in the South.
Marsha, with such few words you have spoken what we must all aspire. Color-blind is a no word. Only the physically blind see no colors when encountering other human beings. Where we come from and who what we look like also. We are who we are. In other other words, I am who I am. I am not the color of my skin. But my skin belongs to a color. So are you. You are all of you and where you come from. You may have the same color of skin as I. Or not. It should never be the determining attribute of who we are. For we are unique. To be discovered.
Beautiful!!! Thank you SO much for reminding me about "enslaved" versus "slaves". (And you are how old, Marsha dear?!) I think that your explanation about "I am white, you are black, and I see you" vs. "color-blind". I agree 1,000% about reparations which gives reality to the hundreds of years of horrific historical -- and still very much present -- injustice. I've "preached" reparations for decades. Trust me when I say that the reactions from black vs. white people is exactly what you would imagine. I am so thankful that you are in this group!
It is there. It takes a true humanitarian to see past stereotypes. I can only hope to keep mindful of this. And the background one grew up in often influences unconsciously.
Thank you Steve Schmidt for posting that fine tribute to a Great American on his birthday and sharing with his the full eloquence of his last speech. We have all heard the ending, but the speech is a treasure for speech givers to follow, for writers to think for philosophers to follow and for citizens to understand. I marched with Dr. King in the Open Housing marches in Chicago in 1966 and the anti-Vietnam War march in Chicago in 1967. Dr. King was an amazing man, and he truly sought truth and justice for all mankind.
Wonderful sharing, Harold. Btw, you might want to correct that typo about marching with Dr. King in Chicago in "1866." My goodness, you'll be hounded by millions of people wanting to know how you discovered the Fountain of Youth. :-)
You can edit your post if you click on the three little dots under your post. "Edit post" will pop up, and then you can change your typo. (I use it all the time!)
Hmm? When I click on the three little dots under my comment it only offers “share”, “hide”, or “delete” options, but no edit opportunity. I regularly miss errors on proof reads and’ve wondered why there’s no means to make corrections.
I tried it on your comment, and -- because it's not mine! -- it said, "Reporter error!" So I tried it again on mine, and it said "Edit comment" (not post). I wouldn't assume that it's an "operator error"! :-)
In Santa Barbara, CA, i used to teach a class "Healing Our World" about solutions (achieved in the past and needed in the present) to various injustices and pressing problems. Dr. King was one of my exemplars of engaged spirituality on these fronts, his utterly peaceful, always respectful, Gandhian *satyagrahi* approach a consummate lesson for anyone who stands up for justice.
I've been searching this morning for my vast file of MLK quotes but can't find it (had to get a new computer a few weeks ago and can't find all sorts of things transferred to it), but Steve, knowing your passion for the media side of politics, you and everyone might find useful this scathing piece by Matt Taibbi from 2019:
Timothy, the article you posted, "Misremembering Dr. King", is eye-opening and so very relevant to what is going on in the media to this day. Thank you for sharing this -a must read!
Yes, this Axios article is also extremely important! There are links in the article to some current members of Congress showing how they have mis-used MLK's words, and some powerful rebuttals by MLK's daughter. Thank you!!
Yes, Kathy, a satyagrahi, one who endeavors to enact Satyagraha, "Truth force" or "moral force," was the ideal for Gandhi and anyone like Dr. King who follows his wisely compassionate way. I've outlined the principles, values and duties of a satyagrahi about 80% of the way down my long page on the life and teachings of Gandhi (after the long collection of quotes) at https://www.enlightened-spirituality.org/Mahatma_Gandhi.html
Well expressed, Steve...On this day every year, I participate in a march in downtown Stamford, remembering this giant of a human being. Usually it is cold. Today it is very cold. This day evokes a terrible sadness in me, as I wish so much that this great American had not been assassinated, that we were further along in our collective quest for equality and justice...at this particular time in our country, division, racism, injustice are all around us. Somehow, in honoring Dr. King's legacy, we all must do better to help remedy the ills that surround us. I mean we ALL need to do more. I must try to regain the idealism that used to define me. It was his belief in the possibility of a better world that propelled Dr. King, after all...
I visited Washington, D.C. for the first time about 15 years ago. I was at a conference, and I was alone. One evening, I booked a ticket for a "Monuments and Memorials at Night" tour. It was a small group, just me and a handful of others.
The last two stops on the tour were the MLK Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Although completely different in style, these memorials - and these men - have much in common. Both feature a towering statue of a towering figure in history. Both feature huge stone slabs inscribed with each man's immortal words. Both brought me to tears.
But what I did not know until I was there was that an inscription on a marble step at the Lincoln Memorial marks the place where King stood to deliver the "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. Kneeling on the stairs and placing my hand on the inscription, I felt I was in a place as holy as any church. Holding the thought of Lincoln looking down, both literally and figuratively, as King spoke of a dream that both men shared was a spiritual experience unlike any I'd previously had.
I pray that their shared dream is realized one day, and I hope it is soon.
Would like to mention that recently elected Senator Rafael Warnock ministers at the same church in Atlanta where MLK Jr. preached.
Yes, Mary, and the beautifully progressive, righteous policies he would love to enact in the Senate would implement a lot of Dr. King's dream for social justice and a far better America.
How wonderful that you are with us here, today, just after your enormous loss. You are an amazing person.
Not so amazing, Kathy. My dear wife Laura would have wanted me to participate in any discussion about Dr. King. Her progressive mother gathered Laura (b.1953) and her younger siblings around the tv back in the 1960s for numerous civil rights speeches and events. So from a very early age Laura was profoundly moved by Martin's superbly eloquent, inspiring words. Later in life she would often challenge anyone manifesting any racism (or complicity with racism). Yes, she had a lot of fire in her, not just sweetness, beauty, and that all-embracing loving-kindness.
Laura was a truly great and selfless lady. And what a beautiful tribute to her!
Thank you so much for this post. I just finished reading Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s letter from the Birmingham Jail. The first time ever reading it. Not much has changed since then. For me, this letter is as important as Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, among the others you mentioned. His love not only for humanity, his faith, and for the ideals this country was founded upon shines through. It’s such a shame how little importance is placed upon it when teaching about the history of the United States. I am proud to now have read this, and that I am an extremist for love.
I’ve witnessed segregation firsthand while visiting my parents families in both Northern Ireland and Scotland in the 1970’s/80’s. Both my parents emigrated here for a better life. Both thought very highly of both MLK and the Kennedys. I’ve participated in non violent protests in front of the UK embassy in the late 70’s, often to no avail. I remember when the first hunger strikers died in Long Kesh. I have family that were imprisoned there. Another piece of history that parallels the championing of overcoming segregation in religion, politics and education. What upsets me is even my siblings seem to have forgotten what our own family went through, and our family history is no different. Probably way too much information, but I find it relevant and in solidarity for my fellow Americans marginalized because of the color of their skin, religious beliefs and/or who they love.
Also just read the letter from the Birmingham Jail for the first time
It is remarkable and grateful to have been given this gift today! Bless Steve! the Warning gives me Hope:)
Wow Kevin definitely keep sharing
As thoughtfully, personally and
Honestly sharing … from your heart!
You blessed this day for me truly 🙏
Thank you so much for listening.. I am very upset to see my siblings, while very much aware of our family history, cannot see the parallels between the slow and laborious march for civil rights both in America and in our personal family history. Both have been/are under oppressive government laws and actions. Christian nationalism and ill gotten pride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odHqG1rA4M8
Thank you Steve for this inspiring tribute to MLK. I'm posting a link to Mahalia Jackson singing Jericho on stage with MLK. (link above) I love the way MLK is smiling and the passionate and loving energy in the church. MLK: "We Have A Movement" I feel deeply touched and inspired when I watch this. We must continue to realize MLK's vision. We still have a dream. Thank you all here today!
Beautiful! Thank you, Lisa.
I read this earlier and listened to his speech. Growing up in central Indiana, in a small all white community, during the 60’s and 70’s, was a confusing time. So much was happening, so much was changing. I think trying to take it all in as a kid & teenager and then observing and listening to the adults lead to the confusion. My family members were racist, all our parents were. No other way of saying it. I don’t think I thought that at the time, but I remember being quietly shocked at things that were said.
So I had to learn about MLK later in life, as I gained exposure to the world outside of that small community. Sadly, not a great deal has changed, some, but not what one would expect these many years later.
Hearts and minds. Can be difficult to reach/change for those still living in their protective bubble.
Thanks for this Steve.
Kudos for moving beyond your small town upbringing and into the light.
I will be reflecting on this all day. Thank you for posting the links. I was immediately drawn to this quote in the letter,
“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. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial “outside agitator” idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.”
Too often we fail to recognize this (or just don’t care).
May we all pause and consider our actions, not just today but each and every day, and the effect they have on other races, colors, creeds, religions, and national origins.
America is a wonderfully flawed country, but together we can fulfill the “Dream” of what America can be.
Thank you, Joshua, for highlighting these powerful words written by MLK. Excellent!
Also, you say "May we all pause and consider our actions, not just today but each and every day, and the effect they have on other races, colors, creeds, religions, and national origins." Thank You!
Blessings Lisa thank you for your
Response you gave my soul a gift
Joshua beautifully stated thank you for your writing and the gift “Today”
Together We Can…fulfill the”Dream”
Of what America can be Together…
But as a white American realize more than ever it’s not going to be realized
Unless we join hands and work now!
Thank you, Joshua, for pointing out this powerful, beautifully stated, thread. Just -- WOW!
Today is a call to reflection and action. What must we do, today, tomorrow, next week, next year to bring his vision to reality. Good to commemorate but better to act.
Thank you Steve for honoring Dr Martin Luther King today with something more than common platitudes. That letter you linked to is a gem capturing the essence of Dr King and what he believed. We can all honor Dr King in word and deed by helping to ensure that his vision lives on today in spite of the hatred and gaslighting that is so prevalent. There are a lot of topics you could have written about today but I’m so glad you wrote this one.
Hatred may have taken Dr. King's mortal being but it has not extinguished his eternal flame. His memory and achievements in Human rights have brought us out of the shadows of segregation into a more righteous America. We will always have hatred from the misguided who will never believe in the brotherhood of man. However, they are now in the minority and as each day renews a new opportunity for a better day arises with the sunrise. We are a long way off from the promise land but the journey is ongoing. There may be delays along the way but the progress and momentum will move ever forward. Hate may win a minor skirmish but can never win a war for freedom. Love is stronger than hate and love will win and carry us across the finish line to a better future.
Beautiful and inspiring comment, Patrick -Thank you.
Thank you for these powerful and hope-filled words. I need to be reminded that Hope exists, always.
The youth of today are our hope. Many embrace diversity and accept any difference.
"Love is stronger that hate and love will win and carry us across the finish line to a better future." So true, Patrick, so true.
Patrick P .. your words walked with the Angels for me today .. bless you
Thank you for your kind words
Over half a century later, his words still inspire. Simply amazing.
I have always thought it haunting, like Lincoln, He seemed to know His life would not be a long life. I think the monument in Washington was breathtaking. And was happy to see the sculpture unveiled in Boston yesterday. He will always remain, in my mind, one of the heroes of our Country. We need more MLK and no KKK if we are to ever have a peaceful Country.
America is a racist country. We must face the fact that while not everyone is a racist at least 45% of the US is. The American approach to different races is a dichotomy. All of our ancestors immigrated to this great country from somewhere else. They were escaping poverty, religious bigotry, hunger and classism. Our ancestors brought with them the treatment they had experienced in their former countries. Unfortunately, they inflicted the same racist, classism, religious bigotry they fled from onto the original peoples of this land. When enslaved people were introduced by the Spanish conquistors the were treated with distain and racism. For 45% of the voting population these attitudes of hate and fear still exist. We are a young country soon to be 250 years old. Our experiment of inclusiveness is still a ongoing progression. 158 years have passed since the end of slavery. We have progressed from 100% of the population hating black people and other races to 45%. I guess we could call that progress.
Sadly right wing politicians globally are dividing us by race.
We all must stand up and say NO MORE.
Voting matters!
So well said. The fact that our ancestors (whatever generation) brought both the good of promise and everything that they were emigrating from. And the more ingrained it’s become, the further the slope we’re been sliding.
And I think that the majority of the other 55% of whites are unconsciously racist. I joined two different group of blacks and whites following the Mother Emmanuel massacre in 2015. I was astounded to realize that I was, completely unconsciously, a racist. It was a very humbling and powerful time for me. I had no idea.
I think it is difficult for any culture to truly put themselves into the minds of the oppressed. However, I do believe there are many white people, who really do not see color when looking at a person. Myself included.
What a wonderful thing! I wonder if living in the South, in the heart of slavery, makes it more difficult, particularly in years past. I've lived here in Charleston, SC for 41 years. Thinking back over those past decades, I believe that I lost some of my color-blindness from my years in the North. Different interactions between both blacks and whites in the South.
Kdsherpa blessings but I’ve learned recently that we should refer to the
enslaved rather than slaves and as a white saying to a black we don’t see color implies we don’t see them… I see I’m white
& I see I’m not black …
I see you I love I accept and
Respect blacks and pray
We acknowledge the pain of slavery still continues
We need to give love,
Remunerations and admit
Horrible Historical and
Present injustice! Pray🙏
Marsha, with such few words you have spoken what we must all aspire. Color-blind is a no word. Only the physically blind see no colors when encountering other human beings. Where we come from and who what we look like also. We are who we are. In other other words, I am who I am. I am not the color of my skin. But my skin belongs to a color. So are you. You are all of you and where you come from. You may have the same color of skin as I. Or not. It should never be the determining attribute of who we are. For we are unique. To be discovered.
What a gift, to be able to express this "color" issue so well. Thank you so much.
Beautiful!!! Thank you SO much for reminding me about "enslaved" versus "slaves". (And you are how old, Marsha dear?!) I think that your explanation about "I am white, you are black, and I see you" vs. "color-blind". I agree 1,000% about reparations which gives reality to the hundreds of years of horrific historical -- and still very much present -- injustice. I've "preached" reparations for decades. Trust me when I say that the reactions from black vs. white people is exactly what you would imagine. I am so thankful that you are in this group!
I have to make sure you read Marsha's reply to you in the comments below (not on this thread). XO I also enjoyed reading it:)
It’s pretty strong by me. And the ones who show it are the ones who are sworn to protect
It is there. It takes a true humanitarian to see past stereotypes. I can only hope to keep mindful of this. And the background one grew up in often influences unconsciously.
And the USA govt killed him!
Sadly history skips over this inconvenience.
He was one of the greatest men in recent global history.
Republicans love to quote him. But they don’t live up to any hand picked quote.
Democrats lift your game. The john lewis voting bill should of passed. You weaklings.
Tracey …. The gift we need to get done is The John Lewis Voting Act
Pass it Now especially while he is still
Alive .. it would honor MLK !
Tragically, that most courageous of men is no longer with us. It would be the most beautiful memorial possible.
Thank you Steve Schmidt for posting that fine tribute to a Great American on his birthday and sharing with his the full eloquence of his last speech. We have all heard the ending, but the speech is a treasure for speech givers to follow, for writers to think for philosophers to follow and for citizens to understand. I marched with Dr. King in the Open Housing marches in Chicago in 1966 and the anti-Vietnam War march in Chicago in 1967. Dr. King was an amazing man, and he truly sought truth and justice for all mankind.
Wonderful sharing, Harold. Btw, you might want to correct that typo about marching with Dr. King in Chicago in "1866." My goodness, you'll be hounded by millions of people wanting to know how you discovered the Fountain of Youth. :-)
Thanks for the typo catch.
The Open Housing marches were 1966 not 1866. Sorry for the typo.
You can edit your post if you click on the three little dots under your post. "Edit post" will pop up, and then you can change your typo. (I use it all the time!)
Thanks I edited
Hmm? When I click on the three little dots under my comment it only offers “share”, “hide”, or “delete” options, but no edit opportunity. I regularly miss errors on proof reads and’ve wondered why there’s no means to make corrections.
I’m sure it’s operator error.
I tried it on your comment, and -- because it's not mine! -- it said, "Reporter error!" So I tried it again on mine, and it said "Edit comment" (not post). I wouldn't assume that it's an "operator error"! :-)
In Santa Barbara, CA, i used to teach a class "Healing Our World" about solutions (achieved in the past and needed in the present) to various injustices and pressing problems. Dr. King was one of my exemplars of engaged spirituality on these fronts, his utterly peaceful, always respectful, Gandhian *satyagrahi* approach a consummate lesson for anyone who stands up for justice.
I've been searching this morning for my vast file of MLK quotes but can't find it (had to get a new computer a few weeks ago and can't find all sorts of things transferred to it), but Steve, knowing your passion for the media side of politics, you and everyone might find useful this scathing piece by Matt Taibbi from 2019:
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/mlk-editorials-taibbi-783988/
The Annual ‘Misremembering Dr. King’ Editorials Roll In
This year’s offerings in one of the most dependable clichés in American journalism
By MATT TAIBBI 1/24/19
Timothy, the article you posted, "Misremembering Dr. King", is eye-opening and so very relevant to what is going on in the media to this day. Thank you for sharing this -a must read!
You're welcome, Lisa. Here's another excellent piece, from Axios today, about the mis-remembering of Dr. King by deceptive GOP personnel:
https://www.axios.com/2023/01/16/martin-luther-king-dream-speech-colorblind-racism
Yes, this Axios article is also extremely important! There are links in the article to some current members of Congress showing how they have mis-used MLK's words, and some powerful rebuttals by MLK's daughter. Thank you!!
Thank you for these powerful references, Timothy. "Satyagrahi": a word whose introduction in the Western world would be enlightening.
Yes, Kathy, a satyagrahi, one who endeavors to enact Satyagraha, "Truth force" or "moral force," was the ideal for Gandhi and anyone like Dr. King who follows his wisely compassionate way. I've outlined the principles, values and duties of a satyagrahi about 80% of the way down my long page on the life and teachings of Gandhi (after the long collection of quotes) at https://www.enlightened-spirituality.org/Mahatma_Gandhi.html
Well expressed, Steve...On this day every year, I participate in a march in downtown Stamford, remembering this giant of a human being. Usually it is cold. Today it is very cold. This day evokes a terrible sadness in me, as I wish so much that this great American had not been assassinated, that we were further along in our collective quest for equality and justice...at this particular time in our country, division, racism, injustice are all around us. Somehow, in honoring Dr. King's legacy, we all must do better to help remedy the ills that surround us. I mean we ALL need to do more. I must try to regain the idealism that used to define me. It was his belief in the possibility of a better world that propelled Dr. King, after all...
I visited Washington, D.C. for the first time about 15 years ago. I was at a conference, and I was alone. One evening, I booked a ticket for a "Monuments and Memorials at Night" tour. It was a small group, just me and a handful of others.
The last two stops on the tour were the MLK Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Although completely different in style, these memorials - and these men - have much in common. Both feature a towering statue of a towering figure in history. Both feature huge stone slabs inscribed with each man's immortal words. Both brought me to tears.
But what I did not know until I was there was that an inscription on a marble step at the Lincoln Memorial marks the place where King stood to deliver the "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. Kneeling on the stairs and placing my hand on the inscription, I felt I was in a place as holy as any church. Holding the thought of Lincoln looking down, both literally and figuratively, as King spoke of a dream that both men shared was a spiritual experience unlike any I'd previously had.
I pray that their shared dream is realized one day, and I hope it is soon.