Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day! -The iPINIONS Journal

The following are Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s final words. He delivered them at the end of a sermon at Mason Temple in Memphis, TN on 3 April 1968…the day before he was assassinated:

Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now.

I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And 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 finally made my pilgrimage to the Martin Luther King, Jr., historic sites in Atlanta, Georgia last weekend. And as I read my way through all of the exhibits on display, I was particularly struck, indeed humbled, by how much Dr. King wrote, said, and did to further the causes of civil rights and poverty alleviation. Because it really is a marvel that he accomplished so much before James Earl Ray shot him. He was only 39….

Therefore, I shall observe this year’s MLK holiday with even greater reverence and respect, not to mention gratitude, than ever before. However, whether you normally observe it by going to a shopping mall or to the beach, I urge you to take a moment to reflect on the real meaning and significance of his legacy.

But I lament the fact that so many politicians pay homage to his legacy by paying lip service to civil rights. Because, if they really wanted to honor MLK, they would be leading mass nonviolent protests for economic justice to help the poor, and to end the war in Iraq. After all, he died fighting for these causes; i.e., by speaking up for the poor, and by speaking out against the war in Vietnam.

In fact, King was in Memphis to support poor sanitation workers who were striking for higher wages and better working conditions.

NOTE: Even though we honor him today, his official birthday is January 15.

Martin Luther King Jr