Today we celebrate a man who I consider to be a hero and a saint–despite his many personal failings–as well as the twentieth century’s greatest prophet. Though not Catholic or canonized, there are few others over the past few hundred years who I aim to emulate more.
The man who proclaimed non-violence as the victor over violent hate, the man who recognized dignity within friends and enemies alike, and the man after whom my son is named:
In honor of Martin, I present to you one of the most invigorating speeches in our country’s history. Take 17-or-so minutes out of your day and watch this profound speech, the words a modern prophet shouted to the world, painting his vision of the Beloved Community.
(Last year on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I wrote about experiences of solidarity in my local community. Check it out here.)