Martin Luther King Jr, civil rights icon to the world.
There’s something extra special about Martin Luther King’s birthday commemoration this year. On the eve of the inauguration of the United States first African American president, the legacy of his peaceful demonstration reaches a pinnacle. Influenced by his faith and the likes of Gandhi, King’s decision to use peaceful means to achieve his goals explains the long lasting effects of his actions and his call for change. His popular ‘I have a dream’ speech talks about acceptance and inclusion of all people. In stark contrast to the then Nation of Islam’s stance for separatism. He saw the bigger picture, not just the ‘black’ struggle and so was able to influence similar movements world wide.
By no means has Martin Luther King’s dream been fulfilled but we’ve come a long way towards it. When will we get to the place when we stop seeing color and not even have to mention it? But for now, all Americans can be proud.
