Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Today, one of my favourite heroes is commemorated all over the United States: Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King is most remembered for having defended the civil rights of African-Americans, as well as for producing the famous “I Have A Dream” speech (this site will let you listen as well as read the speech) [Background on how this speech came about]. He encouraged peaceful protests, in the same style as those of Mahatma Ghandhi, and conformed all his demands of justice to the standard of fraternal love given by Jesus Christ. Although the racial situation is still not perfect, he advanced the cause of justice to such a great extent that, despite his early death, is remembered every year so as to continue the work of peace he began.

I admire Martin Luther King Jr. for many reasons. First, he is one of these rare people who were able to combine truth and peace. He was a warrior of unity. Sometimes the truth can be harsh, and those who hear it may not want to respond favourably. However, he called these same people to peace also, to let love lead them to accept the truth. Love is the glue that unites truth and peace. In all his dealings with others, he asked his own as well as the rest of the U.S. population to refrain from hating each other, but to instead direct their hate toward the injustice and change it.

Second, he was extremely courageous. He didn’t only face opposition from racist enemies, but also from his own people and even from his immediate family. He didn’t stop the fight; he knew that many were counting on him.

Third, he was eloquent and dignified. His speeches are studied in many public-speaking classes. He knew where he stood before himself, God and others. His self-respect and keen sense of freedom was always extended as respect and consideration towards others.

He is an inspiration to me and I hope to be a bit like him; and I also hope that his zeal for justice inspires you too!