It's MLK Day. What Are You Doing About It?

MLK Alpha Image

Hi this is Leslie Harris, and as you probably know, today is Martin Luther King or MLK Day, and you also probably know that Martin Luther King was known for his non-violent activism in the Civil Rights movement.

MLK day has been a law since 1983, when Ronald Reagan was President, and it was first observed 3 years later. It wasn’t officially observed in all 50 states until the year 2000. President Bill Clinton signed the federal legislation declaring it MLK Day of service in 1994. Martin Luther King tributes are also held in countries such as Canada, Israel, Japan and the Netherlands.

Here are some of my favorite Martin Luther King Jr quotes:

Never succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter. (oof. I’m gonna work on this one)

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. (This one seems especially poignant right now)

Let no man pull you so low as you hate him.

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

Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.

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 function of education, therefore, is to teach one to live intensively and think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.

Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.

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

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.

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

Are you participating in the day of service? What are some of your favorite MLK quotes? Let me know in the comments, and also, how we as individuals can all make the world a better place.