“I Have a Dream”
- Venue: Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
- Relevance: Delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963.
- Day: August 28, now celebrated as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
- Venue: Sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama.
- Relevance: Emphasizes the transformative power of love and nonviolence.
- Day: Various occasions, often cited in discussions on civil rights and nonviolent resistance.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
- Venue: Letter from Birmingham Jail.
- Relevance: Written in response to clergy critical of his activities, highlighting the interconnectedness of justice.
- Day: Frequently referenced in discussions on social justice.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
- Venue: Speech at Riverside Church, New York City.
- Relevance: Addressed opposition to the Vietnam War, linking social justice causes.
- Day: Often cited in discussions on activism and speaking out against injustice.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
- Venue: Strength to Love, a collection of King’s sermons.
- Relevance: Emphasizes character in the face of adversity.
- Day: Used in discussions on personal integrity and leadership.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
- Venue: Strength to Love.
- Relevance: Encourages perseverance and trust in the face of uncertainty.
- Day: Often quoted in discussions on faith and resilience.
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
- Venue: Oberlin College commencement address.
- Relevance: Encourages immediate action in the pursuit of justice.
- Day: Frequently cited in discussions on activism and moral responsibility.
“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
- Venue: Letter from Birmingham Jail.
- Relevance: Articulates the need for active pursuit of freedom and civil rights.
- Day: Often referenced in discussions on civil disobedience and activism.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
- Venue: Various speeches on education.
- Relevance: Highlights the holistic nature of education beyond academic achievements.
- Day: Often cited in discussions on education and personal development.
“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.”
- Venue: Speech in Memphis, Tennessee, the day before his assassination.
- Relevance: Expresses hope and determination despite personal risks.
- Day: Eulogized as a testament to King’s enduring vision, often remembered on the anniversary of his death.
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