In light of our current chaotic and bipolar state of politics and this divisive state and national election cycle in the United States; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. needed no accolades, he had no reality show, he had no scandals to concern himself with or sexual allegations. He was already learning to lead (if this even applied since he was a natural social organizer). He did more in his short mission on this grand global sphere than many may even dream let alone accomplish in their lifetime.
True God-given greatness was not to be taken lightly by MLK and he knew the heavy burden and sacrifice placed upon him by the Creator whom he so courageously served as he fulfilled his role in the Great Commission; as first a family provider, then a pastor, community organizer, and accidental nationally and internationally leader in the cause for social justice and racial integration and equality in all humanity and all walks of life.
His humble sharecropper family roots hailing from Atlanta, Georgia would provide the foundation for enduring the challenging journey ahead which few would ever in our generation sacrifice their time, energy, or in the end their flesh. On his road less traveled (since leaders create a new path-followers merely look for that existing comfort zone or a prescribed path) MLK endured pain and suffering much as the great teachers or leaders of our past, including Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and Jesus Christ. He would walk a mile in the shoes of everyone he spoke out for; becoming the voice for the oppressed, the voiceless, the abused, the violated. A lion-hearted leader carrying the olive branch of love in the face of the oppressor; the dove of peace who roared with the calm intensity of a lion.
He was well educated; earning a sociology degree as well as a doctorate, however sought to treat everyone the same regardless of racial, social, religious, or economic status. In his eyes, God bestowed upon each and everyone life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; even the haters who fueled the fire of intolerance and bigotry.
The reason he promoted civil disobedience through non-violent means; to him the power of the collective mind was greater than any stone thrown against them in this fight for equality.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott proved his steadfast commitment and Christian servitude to the cause of social justice during the Civil Rights Era of Racial Segregation in the 1950s. Having met with Gandhi in India, MLK found common ground in using non-violent, civil disobedience to accomplish change in this new season of bigotry and intolerance for one another.
His most famous “I Have A Dream” speech sums up his life purpose and mission during his leadership for true equality based on merit and the human heart. On August 28, 1963 he exclaimed as a loud trumpet for those in government and in the public square willing to hear and listen, “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
On April 4, 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King would be assassinated by James Earl Ray at the young age of 39 in Memphis, Tennessee, however MLKs legacy still lives on through the hearts, minds, and souls of humanity working for the common good, even today as we strive towards harmony and peace in our global communities in our present time. The human condition flawed by the sins of hate and intolerance; greed and corruption-can only be healed by outward compassion and acceptance-as exemplified through the character and example of ‘accidental greatness’ by our standards but ‘divinely appointed for such a time as this’ was he.
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