Remembering the great Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Today marks 50 years since Dr King (a personal hero of mine who continues to inspire me to this day) was assassinated whilst standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. His last speech, delivered on 3rd April 1968, makes for poignant reading. Dr King closes his speech with words describing the delay of his flight into Memphis due to extra security measures prompted by threats against his life:

"But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. (Yeah) [Applause] And I don't mind. [Applause continues] Like anybody, I would like to live a long life—longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. (Yeah) And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. (Go ahead) And I've looked over (Yes sir), and I've seen the Promised Land. (Go ahead) I may not get there with you. (Go ahead) But I want you to know tonight (Yes), that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. [Applause] (Go ahead, Go ahead) And so I'm happy tonight; I'm not worried about anything; I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."

You can read the entire speech here. The audio is available here. Much needs to be done to realise his vision in the US and even distant places like Australia despite the passage of half a century since his senseless killing.