Martin Luther King, Jr., birth anniversary Jan. 16 Leaving the ivory tower behind

On January 16 we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a man of God, teacher, leader and world changer.

Dr. King’s best remembered words come from his dream speeches. He used the words “I have a dream” many times, but King wasn’t a mere dreamer. He didn’t live in an ivory tower separate from the world and its realities. He was a man who wanted change on the ground where he stood, change for his people, and all people.

To this end he often spoke about virtue:
“We must use time creatively … and forever realize that the time is always ripe for doing right.”

He honored labor:
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry.”

He promoted the change of heart and mind:
“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps perpetrate it.”

Dr. King didn’t mince words:
“Nothing pains some people more than having to think.”

He advocated for an informed electorate:
“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance.”

Finally, Dr. King’s most famous words that challenged America:
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”