40 years have passed since Martin Luther King was shot on the balcony of the Lorraine hotel in Memphis Tennessee. And yet, today, April 4 2008, the words of the slain civil rights leader remain as poignant and applicable as ever.
It is impossible to pick a top 10 list of King’s best quotes, because he delivered hundreds of speeches, thousands of words of brilliance, compassion and love.
Here are 10 quotes which are a sample of the countless amazing quotes of Dr. King. The first excerpt comes from a speech delivered at a sanitation strike in Memphis. He refers to his own probably assassination. Fearless and passionate, King urges us to carry on his struggle towards “the promised land” peace and justice and equality without him.
- And then I got into Memphis. And some began to say that threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
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