We Have Decided to Stick to Love

Many of us feel a personal connection to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy.?

My father grew up in India in the time of Mahatma Gandhi, and when he came to the U.S., he was struck by Dr. King's similarities to Gandhi–not only his message of non-violence, but his determination. He envisioned and lived for what was right for all human beings and made a difference that we all benefit from today. People fundamentally think and feel differently, in my opinion, because of Dr. King, than they did prior to the Civil Rights Act.

There are so many ideas in his profound vision that shifted thinking throughout the world. I’m grateful that Virginia Commonwealth University has such a vibrant, ongoing celebration of Dr. King because, as he said:

“We have come a long, long way, but we have a long, long way to go."

Each year, our MLK Celebration offers an opportunity to really think about all of the progress that we've made, and consider how we want to move forward. Which brings me to one of my favorite quotes by Dr. King:

“I have decided to stick to love. For I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind's problems.”

He was speaking of love as an act of community.

Dr. King had seen what hate did to people, and concluded that “hate is too great a burden to bear. I have decided to love.”

Love is a way of responding to a complex world, so that when we see a problem, we approach a solution from our human empathy, which is so much less stressful than acting upon bitterness and hatred.

Today, I'm reminded of how many people at VCU have done the hard work of choosing to move forward with love and empathy.

Thank you to everyone on the VCU Community Engagement Team who contributed to planning the 2025 MLK Celebration events to honor Dr. King and reinforce his incredible legacy.? Thank you as well to everyone who embodies Dr. King’s vision of love and shared humanity.

Let us all embrace Dr. King’s righteous vision, including when some influences in our world may try to push us apart.