Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a true hero whose legacy lives on across the globe. Regardless of our various walks of life, we have all heard of his service to our country and the bravery he displayed. One man’s decision to speak over the negativity and rise above the naysayers started a domino effect that continues to conquer racism, promote equality, and instill peace today. Just think, an entire people gained rights and a thirst for better. He literally had a dream, told the country about it, and helped set a movement into action. As well known as Martin Luther King Jr. is, many people don’t know much about him!
Here are a few little known facts about the Civil Rights Activist:
1. His birth name is actually Michael
Long story short, his dad renamed himself and little Martin after he came returned from an inspirational trip to Germany. Can you imagine calling him Michael Luther King Jr. after all this time?
2. He was put in jail 29 times for his various sit-ins and “disobeying” the law
If we consider his reputation during that time, the law probably kept a close watch on him.
3. His mother was also shot and killed
Her murder took place in church while she was playing the organ. As morbid as it is, I like to think that they both died doing honorable things
4. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
On many campuses across the United States of America, you will find King’s brothers serving through their organization and upholding his values.
In a perfect world, MLK Jr. would still be around here in 2016; giving speeches and uniting nations. Instead, we must take his work and run with it. When we complain about inequality or about bigotry, we should use those things to motivate us. How can we ever expect to move forward if we are continously looking up to leaders like Dr. King, but not attempting to practice his courage and persistence. He used his passion to persist and he used his love for people as incentive. Often times, our generation gets caught up in what has already been done, rather than what we can be doing! Let us walk boldly in the twenty-first century in hopes that we will raise activists of our own. Let us use his holiday to reflect on all that he’s accomplished, but all that is left to accomplish. Let us never grow comfortable with what has been done for us and look for what we can do.