The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is recognized as one of the most influential and evocative orators in American history.
But how well do you know the words of Dr. King?
While the stanzas of his 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech from the Lincoln Memorial have inspired generations worldwide, many of his less famous phrases are just as uplifting and insightful.
Each weekday, from January 14 to January 20 (MLK Day), the Law Library posted a quotation from Dr. King, minus two key words. Passersby were encouraged to submit their guesses (Googling was fine!) in a daily drawing for gift certificates to W&L University Stores and Dining Services. Thanks to all who participated!
We hope everyone will take time to reflect on the important words of Dr. King and the impact they can have on your own views and actions in life. The five quotations are included below in their entirety.
“We may have all come on different SHIPS, but we’re in the same BOAT now.”
“True PEACE is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of JUSTICE.”
“For when people get caught up with that which is RIGHT and they are willing to SACRIFICE for it, there is no stopping point short of victory.”
“All labor that uplifts humanity has DIGNITY and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking EXCELLENCE.”
“Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you WIN or FAIL. Be the best of whatever you are.”