On the third Monday of January, the United States observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as an official federal holiday.
The Reverend Dr. King led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. His famous “I have a dream” speech, delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., is remembered, read, and recited by people worldwide on the anniversary of his birth.
“Martin Luther King’s commitment to nonviolent advocacy, coupled with service, won the hearts and minds of many Americans. King’s public and civil advocacy,coupled with a willingness to serve the most vulnerable, brought genuine transformation.
Though he did not possess all the markers of power, he brought doctoral-level training and broad cultural experience to his philosophical personalism and commitment to dignity of all people…as America’s most effective prophet…his movement’s power was not in its social location but rather in its gospel commitment to truth, love and service. “
Gabriel Salguero,president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, writing in Christianity Today ,November 2015
Martin Luther King Jr. at Biography.com
“King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, among several other honors. He continues to be remembered as one of the most influential and inspirational African-American leaders in history.” Continue reading at the link
Violence-a tragic legacy
Dr. King’s life reminds us of the tragic effects of violence. His life ended suddenly and prematurely when, on April 4, 1968, an assailant shot him as he stood on a hotel balcony. He had delivered his last speech just the day before. The shooter was apprehended, and after confessing to the murder, sentenced to life in prison where he died.
Most people know of Dr. King’s assassination, but don’t know his mother, Alberta Williams King, also died violently. At age 69, sitting at the organ of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Mrs. King was shot and killed on June 30, 1974. Her 23-year-old assailant received a life sentence and died in prison.
Recognizing and preventing the health effects of violence
Exposure to violence leads to multiple types of mental and behavioral disorders :depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, sleep and eating disorders, substance abuse and suicide attempts. Adults who experienced childhood trauma struggle with stress due to finances, family and jobs. Abused children often commit crime as adults.
The following book suggestions lead to affiliate links that may pay a commission to this blog at no extra cost.
A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
A Gift of Love: Sermons from Strength to Love and Other Preachings
And a biography about Dr. King written for children I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.
exploring the HEART of health and history
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Dr. Aletha
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr’s Life and Legacy
Every year the United States and the world remembers and honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Former President Biden’s proclamation urged Americans to honor King’s legacy through community service. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial symbolizes his vision of a “Beloved Community,” reminding all to continue fighting for equality and justice.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 