Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a hero. His leading of protests and sermons aided significantly in the creation of several amendments and especially the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Furthermore, he advocated for economic rights for the poor, and criticized America’s role in the Vietnam War.
Just as important to what Dr. King did was how he did it. Influenced by several early philosophers and political activists such as Henry David Thoreau and Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi, King believed in nonviolence. A theme that was apparent in his ability to not just preach nonviolence but genuinely enact and use the peaceful approach in his everyday life was actually quite simple: his calm manner.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
For example, Dr. King was nearly assassinated in 1958 at his own book signing when a woman approached and proceeded to stab him with a large letter opener. His response: “The pathetic aspect of this experience is not the injury to one individual. It demonstrates that a climate of hatred and bitterness so permeates areas of our nation that inevitable deeds of extreme violence must erupt.”
Similarly, while giving a speech in January of 1956, someone had bombed his home. Upon his return, Dr. King was met with a mob of men who were riled up, seeking justice and ready to retaliate against the bombers. He told the men: “Don’t get your weapons. If you have weapons, take them home. He who lives by the sword will perish by the sword. We are not advocating violence. We want to love our enemies.”
These events are a few of many that forced King to put his words into action. By responding with calmness and empathy towards others, he was able to put into action the philosophies he believed in and show America (and the world) the importance of nonviolence when it comes to inducing necessary change within society.
Let us hope that we never forget all the light that individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. brought and will bring to the betterment of humanity.
Macey Heys, Managing Editor
(Featured Image from Canva)