Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. -Martin Luther King, Jr.

I was ten years old and happened to be hospitalized for a few days when Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Because of that circumstance, the news of King’s shooting is the first major historical event that I clearly remember watching all the coverage of. As a child in the sixties, I was heavily influenced by the civil rights movement. I was intrigued by this courageous man, peacefully fighting for the rights of so many. And, I mourned when Martin Luther King, Jr. fell victim to a bullet loaded with hate and fear.
I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. -Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Now, 49 years later, it seems providential that the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump falls at the end of a week that starts with a celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Again (or, is it still?) we face a time filled with too much hate and too much fear. I hope and pray that MLK’s wisdom is an inspiration in the days ahead.
The time is always right to do what is right. -Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Of course, the “I Have A Dream” speech is Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous. Spoken on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, King’s goal was to urge Americans to “make real the promises of democracy” for all people. Yet, here we are, still needing those promises to be made real.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. -Martin Luther King, Jr. 

While Friday’s inauguration of Donald Trump is certainly a significant event, it is not an excuse to shirk our own responsibility as citizens. It is, after all, up to each of us to keep the dream alive. It’s easy enough to complain about Trump, his insensitive tweets, his questionable plans, and his warped view of this great country. The hard work is in sharing a positive message, fighting the good fight against injustice, and being the change we want to see. Especially today and this week, don’t feel defeated by Donald Trump; instead, feel emboldened by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. -Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Sadly, due to copyright law issues, the full video is not legally available for free public consumption. However, the audio recording and the transcript are available online from Stanford University.