On the third Monday of January, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday is observed as a federal holiday in the United States. Born on Jan. 15, 1929, King grew up to be one of the most influential voices in the Civil Rights Movement, famously advocating for a nonviolent approach to protesting racial discrimination. As a reverend and as an activist, King was a skilled orator, advising audiences everywhere from the pulpit to the nation's capitol. Frequently quoted, MLK's speeches, sermons, and writings appear in memes shareable on any social media platform, at any time of year.
In his lifetime, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. He was also posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. Nearly fifty years after his assassination, King's insights on issues of faith and protest continue to offer guidance to generations still fighting for racial equality, not just in the United States, but across the world.
A prolific writer, King's notable quotes are too many to count, and no single-line lifted from his works can fully do him the justice he deserves. That being said, many of his observations or instructions packed a punch - containing multitudes of wisdom in just a single sentence or two. Condensed and shortened, sharing one in his memory can be a great way to offer those who follow you on social media a gentle reminder of why we celebrate his birth, year in and year out.
Moral Responsibility
Keep Moving Forward
Things That Matter
In The Same Boat
Time Is Always Right
Take A Stand
"My Brother's Keeper"
Only Love
Our Lives
We Must All Protest
Stick With Love
Love Illuminates
Measure Of A Man
Arc Of The Moral Universe
Time Is Always Right
Guard Against False Slogans
Never Stop Dreaming
In A Great Way
People Before Profit Motives
The Final Word
Freedom Must Be Demanded
A New Dimension Of Love
Intelligence Plus Character
Cannot Be Silent
Tomorrow Is Today
Revolution Of Values
Commit Yourself To Equal Rights
Change Through Struggle
Hate Is a Burden
Passively Accepting Evil
To Ignore Evil
Dream
Turning An Enemy Into A Friend
Nothing More Dangerous
The White Moderate
Never Lose Hope
Recapture The Revolutionary Spirit
We Must Act
Be Ready To March
Peace Is Precious
Distribution Of Wealth
King was an activist and a leader devoted to his cause. People share his words because they resonate so deeply, still, with today's political and social climates. But, if there's one truth that rang through almost every word he publicly spoke, it's that you must not give up the fight for what's fair and just.