The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

By: Kelsey Martin and Te’Asia Calhoun 

Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to the nonviolent struggle for Civil Rights in the United States. King’s leadership played a pivotal role in ending segregation for African Americans and for the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, considered a joyous achievement of the Civil Rights era.

The third Monday of January is when America celebrates the infinite legacy of Dr. King. He was a Baptist minister whose abundant reach and profound impact goes beyond the pulpit of his Montgomery, Alabama church to create a Civil Rights movement of resistance against racial segregation and anti-Blackness in the United States. He championed the cause of Civil Rights from 1955 until he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 just days after his death solidified his life’s work in fighting for social justice and against discrimination. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later on January 20, 1986. 

Here is just a small sampling of Dr. King’s many quotes that help to inspire people with the hope of one day ending discrimination in America: 

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act.”

“I have decided to stick with love.”

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