Each of us would do well in our lifetimes to inspire one other person.
I mean truly inspire: to provide real hope where none previously existed and help turn that hope into positive action, maybe even positive change, that may otherwise never happen.
It’s so much harder than it sounds.
What, then, do we say about a man who inspired not just one person, but an entire generation of people?
And generations beyond that?
And who will inspire generations beyond this?
On this day, we say thank you … to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose dreams, words, and actions remain as inspiring today as they were five decades ago.
Here are Dr. King’s final public words, delivered at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee:
[ Can’t see the video? Click here to watch it on YouTube. ]
Today we celebrate that legacy, the legacy that Dr. King left behind without ever fully leaving.
For he was true to what he said on paper, and he was true to what he said out loud. And so his words live on, some of the most meaningful in history — an everlasting testament to one of the most meaningful and inspirational lives that has ever been lived.
Reader Comments (19)
Jerod – short and really to the point and very moving – myriads will be written about Dr. King today, but this will probably be one of the very best pieces. And you also have the grace to let the man speak for himself.
Great job!
Hillary Rettig,
Proud Copyblogger member and author of The Lifelong Activist: How to Change the World Without Losing Your Way, http://www.lifelongactivist.com
Thank you Hillary. I was actually afraid I wrote too much … nothing pays tribute to Dr. King better than his own incredible, inspiring words.
One simple word, Legacy. He truly outlived his life and made a huge and lasting impact. May we strive to do the same.
Hear, Hear.
Thank you. What a moving tribute to the man on the day we mortals pay tribute to his memory and those others who paved the way.
Thank you, Jerod.
Amazing speech it is. One such person currently is trying to change things around in my country. I wish the people learn to take a stand against the odds.
I wish the world had many more such people.
I wish more people would dream and take action.
This country has come a long way, yet we have a long way to go.
We need more people like Dr. King to step up.
What is your dream and how will you step up?
Two words come to mind after reading this. Simply Beautiful!
Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
You’re welcome Teresa, Thank you for visiting.
I love your tribute. As you say, nothing pays tribute to Dr. King better than the man himself. Plus, not living in the US anymore, I appreciate the reminder of the day it is.
With the passing of Dr. King, non-violence (not only, but also) has lost one of its greatest advocates. But old wisdom has it that if you say a man’s name, he is alive. Your tribute shows it’s true. So, Thank You!
Cheers,
Beat
Thank you Beat! Indeed, and not just to have your name said, but your most meaningful words replayed over and over. That’s a legacy.
“Longevity has its place…” and with this speech as with many of his others King has touched immortality.
Thank you for the remembering, Jerod, so that we all could take pause in that reflection.
You’re welcome Lori. This is always a great day for remembering.
Thank you for reminding me of the last of his moving speeches. It still brings tears to my eyes, and a special kind of joy to my heart.
Hey Jerod
I have a confession to make.
I never really noticed you before, but when i listened to the copyblogger editorial teams tips for 2014.
Your little segment hit me bam between the eyes.
It was punchy, it was to the point and it was exactly what i needed to focus on this year.
Any chance you have the transcript for your segment ?
I would be most grateful.
Ps. I love the post above, long live the king.
Thank you for the kind words Geoffrey. 🙂 I was just honored to be on that panel to provide tips! Glad what I said made a difference. Getting that advice has been a HUGE help for me too. I will email you the transcript.
There were few Kings, who had visions like that…
Thanks Jerod… for this beautiful post…
Hello Jerod, thank you for your post. Honestly, I thought this post would be a long story about Dr.King, but you made it simple and thanks for reminding me about the video.
Dr. King said, “I’m not worry about anything..”
And I’m not either.
Excellent post, Jarod. Thank you.
Growing up in grade school. I always wished i could have met Dr. King. The older i get, the more i see the accomplishments and influence he’s made on so many generations. Just to live in a County renamed and dedicated to his name and image makes me proud. And makes me feel honored to be in a County renamed and dedicated to his dreams and aspirations. I thank the author and the site owner for this little reminder of where we have come from. And reminding us all about the positive outlook on life that is to come. Dr. King and so many others, have shown us that you can do the impossible. Dr. King also showed us (Unwillingly) that sacrifice has it’s benefits. He showed us all that, you have a right to speak out about inequality. He showed us all how to use our voice and minds to express our discomforts. He dream in my eyes lives today. It may not be perfect. At least it lives. His last speech should have not been his last speech. I believe his influence would have had more of a profound effect, if he was allowed to show us further how to never settle for abuse of power. He is a motivating person who’s spirit will never die.
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