Happy Birthday, Dr. King!!!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!!!

Today in 1929, Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  Dr. King epitomizes the tremendous influence one person can have on the world, through hard work, perserverance, and in the face of adversity.  Dr. King fought against injustice and hatred in a world where he was ostracized for the color of his skin.  This post alone could not hold a candle to all of the wonderful accomplishments accredited to Dr. King.  Dr. King held fast to his ideals of: truth, courage, dignity, humility and servitude to his fellow man.  On April 4th, 1968 while standing outside of his Memphis hotel room, he was assassinated by James Earl Ray; and in 1999 it was found that additionally, Loyd Jowers, The City of Memphis, the State of Tennessee, and the Federal Government were party to the conspiracy to assasinate Dr. King (source: The King Center). 

Dr. King left an indelible mark on America and the World through his moving speeches and written works, and the continuation of his legacy through a day of remembrance celebrated annually on the third Monday of January.  This year it falls on Monday, January 18th and while we are all celebrating our day off of work, let's take a moment to remember the man who fought for justice for those who could not or would not speak for themselves.

 And in the words of Dr. King himself, let this guide your thoughts:

"I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody.

I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. And I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.


Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major. Say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter."  - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., February 4, 1968

Source: 1968 Year in Review, MLK Assasination