Written by Charles Lee (originally posted at www.charlestlee.com)

Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was a pastor, activist, and civil rights leader. Although I was born a few years after his death, I owe much to Dr. King. The life that he lived has helped to become the person I am today. Ever since I learned about him in first grade, Dr. King has been a continual source of inspiration and understanding about the world we live in, especially as it relates to the injustices we see this world.

I have always admired his faith in God and his belief that all human beings ought to be treated with dignity and respect. Dr. King’s love for humanity and his willingness to pay the price to see people attain freedom continues to ignite passion for the work that I do.

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, here are some of my favorite quotes from Dr. King:

  • “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
  • “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
  • “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
  • “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
  • “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.”
  • “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”
  • “A minister cannot preach the glories of heaven while ignoring social conditions in his own community that cause [people] an earthly hell.”
  • “A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.”
  • “This hour in history needs a dedicated circle of transformed nonconformists. The saving of our world from pending doom will come not from the actions of a conforming majority but from the creative maladjustment of a transformed minority.”

In addition, here are two videos from Dr. King. The first one is from his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and the second from his last speech before his assassination. Please take a moment to listen my hero:

How has Dr. King impacted your life?