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Fifty years after his death, MLK’s words still ring true

The brilliance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lives on, even in these 50 years since his murder on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn.

Likewise, the principles for which Dr. King stood — civility and nonviolence — also still ring true today.

His daughter, the Rev. Bernice A. King, remembered her father as “the apostle of nonviolence” Wednesday as admirers marked the anniversary of his death with marches, speeches and quiet reflection. Locally, events also were held to honor his life and remember his message.

Unfortunately, Martin Luther King Jr.’s words and actions were lost on some. He was ridiculed; his life frequently was threatened, and ultimately it was snuffed out by an assassin’s bullet a half-centry ago on April 4, 1968.

We should reflect and recall the wisdom Dr. King shared in the many years that he preached these beliefs, along with his peaceful fight for civil rights and equality throughout the United States.

Here are some of his meaningful words:

“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

“Free at last, free at last. Thank God almighty, we are free at last.”

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

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

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

“Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. Indeed, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it.”

“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

In reflecting on Dr. King’s words and actions, Youngstown Catholic Diocese Bishop George Murry this week said:

“What are we being asked to do for the sake of our brother or sister who still suffers under the weight of racism? Where could God use our efforts to help change the hearts of those who harbor racist thoughts or engage in racist actions?”

Certainly, this anniversary presents an opportunity to draw inspiration from the way in which Dr. King remained undeterred in his nonviolent resistance.

Fifty years later, our nation has made great progress. Still, though, King’s dream remains incomplete with much work to be done. In his spirit, let’s honor that dream today by using this anniversary to pause, remember and to do our part to bring fairness, justice and equality to all.

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