Nobel Peace Prize 1964 . . .
Because of his words and actions.
Read more here.
To do
Or not to do
To take action
Or not to take action
Make a decision
Don’t let indecision freeze your thoughts or actions.
Equity featured in my post here last year.
When?
When do we move beyond surface quotes? Using that quote that pops up on Google or Twitter and move to deeper knowledge?
What was the essence of MLK Jr?
As I “celebrate” (#OLW19) the life of Martin Luther King, my actions will be to speak up and out about “white privilege.” Information is the first step towards action and power.
I hold these words close, “What the main sections of the civil rights movement in the United States are saying is that the demand for dignity, equality, jobs, and citizenship will not be abandoned or diluted or postponed. If that means resistance and conflict we shall not flinch. We shall not be cowed. We are no longer afraid.” (Nobel Prize Lecture, 1964)
What will you say?
What will you do?
How do you honor MLK’s legacy?
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Kelsey, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum from Two Writing Teachers. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
Resource - Full 
I just (finally) got to see The Hate U Give this weekend and white privilege was on my mind. We need to do better.
Thanks, Erika! We have to do better! ❤
A lovely, powerful photographic memorial to Dr. King. In contemplation of honoring his legacy, picking up his mantle, the words his daughter used to describe him echo in my mind: “He was a Christ-centered, love-fueled, justice-seeking, peacemaking, globally-minded, nonviolent revolutionary and prophet.”
Thanks, Fran
Love that “revolutionary” . . .
So needed!
The quote about loving publicity vs loving humanity struck a nerve in me, as publicity seems to be seeping into education circles as well. I want to be able to focus on my job and my students, not be on the lookout for photo-worthy moments each day…Thanks for this post on refocusing our thoughts about MLK Day and what it truly means. We are reading Whistling Vivaldi as a book study; that is my work on equity this school year.
OOOH “Whistling Vivaldi” . . . adding to my list!
Real actions; not just lip service! 🙂
A powerful collection of quotes. I plan to present these to my students today and ask your questions. I’ll post their responses later. Thanks!
Margaret,
Can’t wait to see this through your students’ eyes and brains!
I enjoyed your collection of quotes and nudge to think deeper.
Thanks, Mandy! Bigger than just one day!
You gathered (and honored) his words amongst powerful questions. Powerful structure to promote discussion. Exactly what he would want!
Thanks, Sally! Once a year honors don’t do MLK Jr justice!
If only we would remember these words and live them daily not just once a year.
So true; Actions that need to be part of our daily lives! 🙂
Landon wrote, “To help maintain his legacy, we shall create places all races shall be able to use and advise people about the good of what MLK did and follow him in his steps to maintain the peace and equality to all races.”
Yay! Smart thinking about MLK Jr’s legacy!
You asked an important question at the start of your post, Fran. So often, we distill the soundbytes that reflect our POV when we quote greats like MLK. It’s not okay. We have to dig deeper if we want to understand the true meaning behind the words.
Thanks, Stacey. So important to understand the intent . . . not just the words.