As many of us prepare for a long holiday weekend in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, please take a moment to really think about what he fought for.  He would have only been 90 years old this year.

When we stop to think about what he (as well as many others) fought for, it really wasn’t that long ago.  Where would we be today if he didn’t lead the way for the non-violent fight against segregation and his tireless fight against racial inequality through non violent protest?

Goodness! Many may argue we have a long way to go as it relates to racial equality in this country. Can you imagine if Dr. King  never challenged accepted social norms? Where would we be as a society?

We all are pretty familiar with his famous, “I Have a Dream” speech. I encourage you this week (and beyond) to read some of his other writings. Dr. King is without a doubt one of the most prolific writers of modern times. Please share these titles with family and friends alike:

Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story (1958)

The Measure of a Man (1959)

Strength of Love (1963)

Why We Can’t Wait (1964)

Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community (1967)

The Trumpet of Conscience (1968)

Continue to move forward with love. Love for self, love for community and love for mankind. As Dr. King once said:

“Hatred paralyzes life;

love releases it.

Hatred confuses life;

love harmonizes it.

Hatred darkens life;

love illuminates it.