Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) on January 16, 2023, we realize the principles of equality and diversity that Dr. King so passionately believed in are still relevant today.

He envisioned a society where caring and compassion drive political policies that support the worldwide elimination of poverty and hunger and all forms of discrimination and violence.

Let this MLK Day be a day of reflection and a commitment to nonviolent social justice.

Learn about this global thought leader, activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient:

Check out other videos:

Delve into King’s speeches:

Experience King’s dynamic and powerful presence as an orator. Watch his speeches.

Give back:

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others?”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Make it “a day on, not a day off.” Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Here are just a few ideas to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King.

Donate non-perishable items to your local food bank.
Collect personal hygiene items for a homeless shelter
Volunteer at your place of worship
Donate gently used clothes to clothes closets and shelters
Or simply perform a random act of kindness in his honor

Find an opportunity to serve in your area. AmeriCorps

Did you know?

Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech was partially improvised and that the iconic phrase was left out of the original draft?

Learn more surprising facts about MLK

Stock your bookshelves:

King was the author of multiple books. They include “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story,” “Why We Can’t Wait,” “Strength to Love,” “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” and the posthumously published “Trumpet of Conscience” with a foreword by Coretta Scott King. Additionally, many books have been written about King. Explore.

Contemplate on a few of King’s inspiring quotes:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“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.”

“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”

Social Media:

Connect with commemorations around the country by using #MLK or #MLKday.