Today We Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

It's the 3rd Monday in January, the day when we honor one of the greatest civil rights leaders our country has ever known, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King was an advocate of non-violent means to end racial segregation whose national prominence began with a bus boycott as early as 1955. If it weren't for his vigilance, we might not have had the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which outlawed discrimination in public facilities and employment, and also the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He also was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Assassinated in April of 1968, King's legacy continues to this day, and he is remembered as one of the most important and influential figures in American history. It is important that we never let up in the fight for not only racial equality but equality of all Americans.

Here are some powerful quotes from Dr. King that are important to remember, as we honor one of the greatest Americans of all time.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
The time is always right to do what is right.
Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.
In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.