Reflection: The life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

photo credit: hiphopspy.com, quote credit: wikipedia

All I'm saying is simply this, that all life is interrelated, that somehow we're caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. For some strange reason, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. You can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality. ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

After traveling to India in 1959, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was more committed than ever to the process of change through non-violent activism, and had rounded out his belief system for the cause of liberating black Americans across the country and bringing special attention to the lives of southern black Americans. In the years that followed, Dr. King:

Organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott (at the age of 26) that led to racial desegregation of all Montgomery public buses initiated by Rosa Parks.

Founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957 and led it until his death.

Delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington in 1963. View it on Youtube here.

Saw the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed.

Campaigned tirelessly for black American economic stability, an end to the Vietnam War and the plight of those in poverty across the nation.

Before his assassination on April 4th, 1968, Dr. King addressed a rally at Mason Temple and delivered a message indicative of a person who had lived a truly humble and heroic life. From DRC ApeParel to you, may we all strive to change lives through actions guided by meditations of universal truths.

And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

In addition, we believe that the memory of Dr. King and support of his causes are respected most through our own service to the community. Check out MLK Day.gov for more information!