My tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

From December 1955 until April 4, 1968, African Americans achieved more genuine progress toward racial equality in America than the previous 350 years had produced. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used the power of words and acts of nonviolence, such as protests, organizing and civil disobedience, to achieve seemly impossible goals.

He is the only non-president to have a national holiday dedicated in his honor. At 35 years old King became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He graduated from high school at the age of 15, received his bachelor’s at 19, his master’s at 22 and his Doctorate at 26.

On September 20, 1958, Izola Ware Curry walked into a Harlem department store where King was signing books and asked, “are you Martian Luther King?” When he replied “yes”, she stabbed him in the chest with a knife. King survived, and the attempted assassination only reinforced his dedication to nonviolence.

James Earl Ray, an escaped convict and known racist, pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. Martin Luther King had a sermon, Am I my Brother’s Keeper? He wanted us to look after each other, no matter what color, or where we were from. Some of his quotes are...” Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that, Hate cannot drive out hate, only Love can do that. Time is always right to do what is right. I have decided to stick with Love Hate is too great a burden to bear:’ On Monday, January 17 we were fortunate to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. On this holiday and every other day, I encourage you to celebrate his day by doing something for your community (pick up paper on your street, talk with someone that has problems, kiss your mother or Dad, tell them you love them. Be Your Brother’s Keeper.)