WQ - Justice

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I'm participating in the Wednesday Quotes link-up hosted by Marsha at Always Write. Since the prompt or theme this week is about People Who Inspire for MLK Day, I thought it might be a good idea to see if I could write my post and publish it on MLK Day. 

Last year I wrote up a bit of a history article on Dr Martin Luther King Jr for my homeschool blog, so I chose an excerpt from that article to share here, and then chose some quotes about justice to share as well, because that's what I associate with MLK. He's remembered as a civil rights leader, of course, but I think that's what civil rights is about - justice. Dr King worked for justice and inspired others to work towards a more just society as well. 

Dr King was a great and inspiring orator, and his "I Have A Dream" speech is his best known. Most Americans recognize the repeated lines about his hope that equality and freedom would become reality, and that his children would grow up in an America where people would be judged by their character instead of by their skin color. That powerful refrain ― "I have a dream today!" ― is the part most of us know, but the beginning of the speech is so inspiring as well. Here are a few snippets:

When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men ― yes, Black men as well as white men ― would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. . .

And so we've come to cash this check, a check that wil give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. . .

Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children. . .

So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. 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. ~Dr Martin Luther King Jr

There are different views of what achieving justice looks like, but it must be based in truth, and I believe the goal of justice must be focused on peace and reconciliation, not thirst for revenge and retribution. We live in an imperfect world, and there is still work to be done, but much has already been achieved as well, and that should be inspiring.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. ~Martin Luther King

Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph. ~Haile Selassie

Without justice, courage is weak. ~Benjamin Franklin

Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither, in my opinion is safe. ~Edmund Burke

In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same. ~Albert Einstein

I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it's for or against. ~Malcolm X

When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall . . . think of it, always. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Reelection ought not to be the primary occupation of any politician. It ought to be standing up for truth and justice. ~Cornel West

That last one sums up what's wrong with government, doesn't it?

The very concept of justice comes from God. Right and wrong, equal treatment, every person having individual value and worth. Freedom. Truth. Justice.

Here is my servant, whom I uphold,

my chosen one in whom I delight;

I will put my Spirit on him,

and he will bring justice to the nations.

In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

he will not falter or be discouraged

till he establishes justice on earth. 

I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;

I will take hold of your hand.

I will keep you and will make you

to be a covenant for the people

and a light for the Gentiles,

to open eyes that are blind,

to free captives from prison

and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

~Isaiah 42~

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The following is quoted from my January 2023 article on Homeschool Coffee Break. You can read all of it here: Martin Luther King Jr Day

Did you know? That iconic speech originally was not intended to include that four-word phrase by which we know it today! King met with trusted advisors the day before the event to work out details of his speech. The draft and outline had already been written and King wanted input from the advisors because he knew how important this speech would be. The three hours of planned speeches from leaders of the March would be broadcast by the major TV networks, and King wanted to deliver something that would have maximum impact. At that meeting, it was suggested that he not use the 'dream' language that had been the theme of many of his previous speeches, since it might be considered cliche or trite by that time. But once King had started speaking, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson shouted for him to "tell them about the dream" and that is what he did, abandoning the script from that point and delivering a message so powerful that it is still moving and powerful today. That event, that speech, and the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. were influential in the federal government finally taking actions to address racial inequality. In 1964, Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the youngest recipient at 35 years old, and the third black man to receive it.

Here is video of the speech, edited a little, but still powerful: 

And among the documents available at the National Archives website, you can read the full text of Dr. King's speech in a pdf: "I Have A Dream" speech.

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Wednesday Quotes 2024 is hosted by Marsha at Always Write. This post will be linked at #WQ #156: People Who Inspire/MLK Day

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