Remembering the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”?

This Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote is etched into a wall as part of a memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring one of the most prominent leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. I had the opportunity in November 2021 to take a guided tour and experience the symbolic memorial. I pondered several questions as the sculpture of Dr. King in reflective thought towered over me.?

My primary question – what would Dr. King think of the world today? Would he think that we’ve made significant progress in driving out darkness and hate with light and love? Would he be encouraged, or would he be dismayed?

On this day in which we celebrate the birth, life, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I encourage each of us to take some time and reflect on his ideals of peace, justice, equality, and love. They are as relevant today as they were throughout his life on Earth.?

Each of us has the responsibility to do our part in living out the ideals Dr. King Jr. advocated. Every word we say. Every action we take. Every action we don’t take. Everything we do either restrains or propels lifting each other up and celebrating our different backgrounds and perspectives.?

Today is a good day to be intentional and commit to actions we can individually do to bring more light and love into our worlds.