Today we honor a great and fallen leader of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is amazing to think about the success of the movement of the movement, and while we still have huge strides to make, I can honestly say that in many ways we are better off now that we were then.

However, what I think about when I think of Dr. King is his example of leadership even in the face of opposition. As a preacher, he faced disagreement with his own clergymen who said he was too political and persevered anyway. When told by radicals in the political arena that he was too much of a pacifist, he held fast to his ideal of non-violent civil disobedience. It was his pragmatism and passion that was able to galvanize people for the cause; and one much greater than simply desegregating schools. He did not just preach and speak to inspire, he practiced and inspired others with this his actions beyond just words. This is what made him truly a man of honor.

I don’t believe in hero worship though; I like to look at Dr. King as a regular person who stood on his principals and did extraordinary things. There were many, many unnamed people who worked alongside him as well as in the background who also deserve recognition for their work in the movement. It is great to see that at least part of Dr. King’s dream was realized, though mostly in individuals and not always in society as a whole. Still other parts have yet to come to fruition.

I leave you with these words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; it is a pleasure to honor to honor such a great leader.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!

A full video of King’s full “I Have a Dream Speech” after the jump…