On the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s death, much has been written and spoken. I am sharing with you the words of my Twitter friend – a young American man. Because I do not share his background, I think it is interesting to have his perspective on a man who was/is his personal hero. There was certainly much more to “MLK” than “I Have a Dream.” Some of it was not palatable at all to many sections of American society at the time. But we have to see him as a whole man – not just parts of him that are convenient. As Dr. King looked into the future, he said “I don’t mind.” He was already looking beyond his own life. I wonder what he would think of today’s nightmare Trumpworld, climate change, refugees… I would love to hear him speak on such matters. Rest peacefully in the arms of the Universe, Dr. King!
A photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. about to give his speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” on the eve of his assassination on April 3, 1968. Next to him is Ralph Abernathy, a pastor, activist and good friend, who had just introduced Dr. King. You can find the complete audio and transcript here: https://www.drmartinlutherkingjr.com/ivebeentothemountaintop.htm
As I’m sure most of you are aware, today marks the fiftieth anniversary since the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, where he had been since 18 March assisting the sanitation workers striking for better pay and working conditions. King, whom I consider — for whatever it’s worth — the greatest American and a personal hero, was thirty-nine years old. Before I write anything more or before you read any further, revisiting the speech given by King on 03 April 1968, unknowingly his last, is imperative. I listen to this speech several times each year, and have yet to get through it without full body chills when King says:
We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop.
Australian Traveller that loves to "Roam" our globe, creator of ENDLESSROAMING.COM sharing the experience through word and photography. Currently residing in my home of Newtown Sydney
Thank you Emma!
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You are more than welcome, Benji. You can say it all so much better than I can!
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