Today is the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr in Memphis.
Martin Luther King Jr may be one of the world’s greatest orators, who phrased his beliefs and passions into some of the greatest speeches of all times. He has inspired millions of people to take peaceful, nonviolent action.
To commemorate this day, here are some of the most inspiring quotes from the man who had a dream.
What happened to the Lorraine Hotel
The infamous hotel balcony where King was shot is in front of room 306 which was then the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. In the 1960s, it was a welcoming destination for many African Americans who were otherwise unable to find a room there. Today, it is the home of the National Civil Rights Museum.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination, they are celebrating the newly renovated museum with new exhibits, historic collections, multimedia and so much more. Special events and speakers are regularly scheduled to keep the spirit alive. If you are in that neighborhood, take a walk through history and an era of change.
“Power and morality must go together.”
More quotes from the man who had a dream:
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”
“Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. I am not unmindful of the fact that violence often brings about momentary results. Nations have frequently won their independence in battle. But in spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace.”
“Any religion that professes to be concerned about the souls of men and is not concerned about the slums that damn them, the economic conditions that strangle them and the social conditions that cripple them is a spiritually moribund religion awaiting burial.”
“The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice.”
Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.