The Lasting Impact of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Lasting Impact of Martin Luther King, Jr.

A celebration of a wonderful leader.

205
The Lasting Impact of Martin Luther King, Jr.
www.democracynow.org

Martin Luther King day was last Monday. Yes, I know that makes me a little late in celebrating the great Martin Luther King, Jr., but I think that his words and the lessons he taught us can (and should) be appreciated every day. MLK was a remarkable person, whose nonviolent measures of civil disobedience had a remarkable impact on our country, changing it forever.

Given the current political climate of our country, I think that it is especially important to reflect on the message of MLK and also acknowledge that he was able to achieve so much positive change using peaceful protest. Here are some of my favorite MLK quotes to celebrate him as well as his methods of creating change!

“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”

"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

"The time is always right to do what is right."

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends."

"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

"We must learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or parish together as fools."

"I refuse to accept the view that [human]kind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that bring daybreak of peace and brotherhood [sisterhood] can never become a reality...I believe that the unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

"The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is most important."

"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent."

"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal."

"Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality."

"At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love."

"That old law about 'an eye for an eye' leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing."
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71140
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132984
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments