Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1929, was the son of a Baptist pastor. Dr. King, Jr. was also a Baptist minister in Montgomery, Alabama. He was educated at the Crozer Theological Seminary and he received his PhD from Boston College 1955.

Dr. King, Jr. is best known as a civil-rights leader. His leadership in the movement brought him worldwide attention. His famous march on Washington was in 1964. He was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. King, Jr. was shot and killed on April 4, 1968.

What is most impressive about the man was his commitment to non-violence. He encouraged his followers to unite, to persist, and to remain non-violent. His efforts were multiple and his words are memorable. The Dominican Center: Spirituality for Mission supports his message of racial equality and non-violence.

Sadly, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s witness did not end racism or racial violence in the United States. Discrimination and white privilege are present in our laws, in our public institutions, in our churches – even in our children’s play. It is time to take Dr. King, Jr.’s dream seriously.

Let us celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth and even more importantly his message. Let us pray for wisdom, asking God for the grace to end both racial inequality and violence.

Photo: MLK Memorial by Pixabay (CCO)