“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?“
If he were alive today I know Dr. King’s focus would be on the tragedy that has taken place, and continues to unfold, in Haiti. Our thoughts, prayers, and money will help make a positive difference for the Haitian people. Please contribute what you can.
Today we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. King made a profound difference in the world. Thanks to his efforts, and the efforts of so many others, we have come a long way on the road to freedom and justice during my lifetime. And we still have a long way to go…
I visited the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. King’s death in Memphis, Tennessee, on the 41st anniversary of his death earlier this year. I think today about the speech he gave in support of striking sanitation workers at Mason Temple in Memphis on April 3, 1968 — the evening before he was assassinated. You can watch the last few minutes of this prophetic speech here.
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.
I have the privilege this week of speaking at two college campuses in Western New York. I’ll be at Houghton College (south of Rochester) on Wednesday evening as part of their annual Praxis Week. This year’s theme is reconciliation. I’ll then be at Nazareth College in Rochester on Thursday, where I have the honor of presenting the first lecture in the Annual Bob Cobbett Memorial Speaker Series.
On Friday evening I will attend the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Address to be given by Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery at the University of Rochester. If you, or anyone you know, will be in the Rochester area this week, I hope to see you at one or more of these events.
Have a blessed Dr. King Day, my friends. Let’s all do a little extra this week for freedom and justice in the world.