Reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Fifty years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, his message is still just as significant. It is my hope his legacy last another 50 years and beyond.

He taught us that there is validity in protest and that you can change the country through meaningful, constructive civil engagement. He even noted that everyone has the potential to be great through service.

Let’s also not forget King was stressed about the progress being made in the United States. There were some gains but there was also loss – including death.

Dr. King was perhaps one of the greatest human beings to ever grace this earth. Chief among the characteristics of being a human being is that he was human – not perfect, but certainly spiritually aware of our nature and the need to improve how we treat each other.

He showed a natural ability to exercise reason and sound judgement. His ideas were modern and his outlook on society was well-informed. Keenly aware of the traits of being human, Dr. King was often tired but persisted in his nonviolent resistance despite his frustrations.

In his own words,

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

Tonight, I will have the distinct honor of meeting members of the Valley Economic Alliance accepting the nomination for featured “Non-Profit of the Year” from The World Networks. I will accept this nomination knowing that it is the result of the hard work of our community of dedicated individuals believing we all have a responsibility to contribute to the work of building stronger, more resilient communities.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught us to be brave in our endeavors and never stop doing and believing in what is right. Because of his sacrifice, we see so many people of color taking on positions of service all across the United States. In 2017, Virginia elected its first Latina and Asian-American to their House of Delegates, Minnesota and Montana voters elected their first African-American mayor, North Carolina voters elected their first African-American female mayor, and New Jersey elected its first Sikh mayor. Because of Dr. King’s contribution, the United States is a much better place.

Together, we commemorate Dr. Kings life, legacy, and sacrifice.

Let us remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s name and sacrifice for centuries to come.

D’Andre Lampkin
Founder, Board Chair