Every year, on the third Monday of January, we reflect on the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. who is best known for his efforts towards racial equality in the United States. As his wife, Coretta Scott King, explained, on this day we commemorate “the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America.” We commemorate the timeless values he demonstrated – the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility, and service.
Here are some ways we can remember him:
- In-person or online events, such as these events in Boston, where Dr. King studied, met his future wife and served as an assistant minister:
- This year has special resonance in Boston because of the reveal of “The Embrace” monument dedicated to King and his wife at the Boston Common on January 13. The sculpture is based on a historic photograph of the Kings in an embrace when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
- The Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast: this annual breakfast on January 16 will feature The New Yorker writer Jelani Cobb as the keynote speaker (follow the link above to stream the event).
- Movies: this list of movies about King includes documentaries, civil rights movies, and miniseries.
- Readings: click here to access “The Meaning of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday” by Coretta Scott King.
- Speeches: this PBS article includes links to the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, the speech he made after the walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, as well “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” his final public speech.
