The Third Monday of January (which falls on the 17th this year) is the official federal holiday of the slain civil rights leader. He was born January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta Georgia.
(AP)

The following is text from what would be his last speechwhich he delivered the night before he was killed in Memphis.

"We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I have been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind.
Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now.
I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land.
I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm not fearing any man.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord"

~from MLK on the net

When I was stationed in Japan the DJ mixed Full Force - Tender love, in with Dr. Martin Luther King's speech.

The most beautiful thing I've ever heard......If you can imagine "Tender love......love so tender..........(background music).......in come speech.

BEAUTIFUL!

..yes sister, good post. Happy Birthday Brutha King.

Because he was.........we are.

"There is nothing more dangerous than to build a society, with a large segment of people in that society, who feel that they have no stake in it; who feel that they have nothing to lose. People who have a stake in their society, protect that society, but when they don't have it, they unconsciously want to destroy it. "[/b]

PaRrIs

Ashanti,

Did yo see Citizen King o PBS?

Earlier this evening I attended a film show, called 'At The River I Stand' It was about the struggle of the sanitation workers of Memphis 1968. To whom that speech was directed.

In order to put that extract into context it would be good if someone could reproduce that speech in full.

So that the ordinary working people of those struggles and timesare not forgot or buried in the shadow of great personalties.

Ours is not the history of kings and Queens. But the struggles and victories of extrodinary people.

[align=center]HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE KING[/align]

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I agree with the others, this is a nice tribute to the Doc., thanx Ashanti.....
blkafroblkclap


For once I'd like to see the REAL MLK being shown on televison.

The MLK who fought tooth and nail for worker's rights.
The MLK who strongly and boldly opposed the Vietnam War.
The MLK who warned America of her impending destruction if she doesn't start practicing what she preaches.

.....instead of the watered-down "turn the other cheek" sissy they give our kids in school as a role model.

@BS

No bro, didn't see that.

@Ahmaad

Bro the closest I have seem him portrayed realistically is in the movie Boycott which ran on HBO a few years ago.

@All

Thanks for your contributions. I hope others stop by this thread and leave their reflections as well.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR KING!!!

most definitely a man to learn from.

Happy Birthday and Rest in Perfect peace Dr King.

Dr. King's letters from prison

I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Councilor or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can't agree with your methods of direct action;" who paternalistically feels he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a "more convenient season."

Shallow understanding from people of goodwill is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will (my signature). Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection...

Happy Birthday Dr. King.

Yep....Happy Birthday and Rest In Peace Sir

If there is one thing i have learned about this great man is how similar he and Malcom X were.

but some where along the way he has been painted as this religious none political person for us Africansto aspire to be. An image that is distorting the true character of Dr King........

when iread may angelou's autobiography, i got more of an insight into both men, who she knew well.