Speeches

Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet

        Good evening and thank you all for attending this celebration and remembrance of Dr. King's life and legacy on what would have been his 78th birthday.  During his life, Dr. King carried well the burden of leadership, a burden that included following his dream of equality in the face of hatred and ridicule. He remained committed to his nonviolent principles and deep convictions of justice, even in the face of danger and threats against his own life. He never gave up.

In just 39 years of his life, Dr. King was able to galvanize much of a nation and capture the attention of the world as he challenged people to end injustice, dispel ignorance, and advance freedom and civility. He urged us to live a life of unselfish service, and his words and deeds set in motion many long overdue actions that profoundly changed society. His life's work promoted change that was so desperately needed in America; change that strengthened equality, freedom, and democracy. His efforts led to accomplishments that still reverberate to this day.

Even in death, his words and deeds still hold powerful sway wherever people continue to fight for freedom and justice. His legacy looms large and within that legacy he left us a challenge: the challenge to "Magnify the Dream." Make it a Reality," the theme of tonight's dinner.  In Dr. King's words, "No American is without responsibility."