There are few people who speak so eloquently and whose words hold such power that they can inspire millions.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of those people.
Even now, almost 45 years after his death, King’s words are still recited in speeches. They are posted on signs and inscribed on memorials.
His “I Have a Dream” speech is cited by many as the defining moment of the civil rights movement. And who better to speak those words than King, who was a civil rights leader.
King certainly left an impressive legacy. More than 700 cities have a street named after him, and many schools also bear his name. Statues and memorial gardens are prominent in communities across the country, and then-President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation in 1983 creating a federal holiday in King’s honor.
Maybe that’s why we cherish his words so much, words like “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” and “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” and “Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead and the unborn could do it no better.”
It was also King who said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
That’s an important thing to consider in the days ahead.
Monday marks the annual observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it’s a day when people across the country come together to serve their neighbors and communities.
We’re sure that will be happening here. Residents in Marion County are among the most selfless in the state, and their concern and generosity for their neighbors never cease to amaze us.
Need examples? There are plenty.
Marion Countians annually contribute thousands of dollars to fundraisers organized by groups like the United Way and the American Cancer Society. They answer the call when natural disasters strike, offering monetary donations or perhaps even shelter to those displaced by the storm. They donate food and supplies to people in need.
Maybe those good deeds are rooted in King’s message. Maybe they’re simply heeding his words: “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
We hope local citizens use this weekend as a chance to again work together for a common goal, which falls in line with what King worked toward throughout his life.
It will be another reminder of King’s legacy, one we hope continues to grow stronger over the years and decades to come.
Opinion
Follow King’s message and work together for common goal
- Opinion
-
-
Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
-
We change — at least a little — after each attack
How well do we remember the world as it was before 9/11?
Do we remember what airline security was like? Life before the Patriot Act? What was the school environment like before school shooting at Columbine and Sandy Hook? -
Record-breaking years for Pierpont, FSU give students strong opportunities
When people make the decision to further their education — whether they’re going to college immediately after high school or heading back to the classroom after several years of being in the workforce — there are plenty of potential obstacles to consider.
-
Sound policy would give coal a chance, not erase challenges
It’s no secret that the region’s coal industry faces challenges from many sides.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration, through a report it began releasing last month, forecast that although total U.S. coal production is expected to rise after 2016, Appalachian coal will not. -
Peace Officers Memorial Day: Honoring those who keep us safe
Today, all U.S. and West Virginia state flags will be lowered to half staff in memory of the officers who died in the line of duty, making this state and this country a safer place to live, for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
-
Each and every day should be Mother’s Day
Anna Jarvis, from our neighboring city of Grafton, began the tradition that on the second Sunday of May, mothers and motherhood would receive a national celebration and recognition.
From those early local beginnings, Mother’s Day has evolved and become one of the most celebrated days of the year. -
Teens need co-pilots to navigate social media
It’s tough to be the parent of a teen.
Heck, it’s tough to be the parent of a preteen. Ten is the new 15 these days. Fifteen is the new 21. Kids grow up so fast, and we have to fight them every step of the way to make sure they’re not growing up too fast. It’s a constant question of whether something is age-appropriate and the constant response of “all of my other friends are doing it.” -
Proposed bill levels playing field for local businesses
The study of economics is vast, complicated and debatable on almost every point.
There are those who are conservative in their estimates when given all factors to calculate into a model. -
Move past baloney and continue quest to ensure students get meals they need
It’s time to move past the baloney ... or bologna ... or lack of same at school lunch.
-
‘Relentless efforts’ made by teachers are appreciated
Each weekday in classrooms across the country, men and women stand in front of young minds that are waiting to be molded, looking to be inspired, craving the lessons that will help shape their futures.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
