Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, Jr.! (10 Things That Might Surprise You About Him)

Martin Luther King, Jr...We celebrate his birthday on the third Monday every January, although technically he was born on January 15th.  He's a hero to so many people.  A great man.  An  inspiration to me. 

I wish I could have met him...not sure what I would have said besides "thank you."  I probably would have just listened mostly.  Anyway....today is his birthday.  As we reflect and remember him, here are some interesting facts that might surprise you: 

OK..one more.  His “traveling bible” will be used to swear in President Obama at his second inauguration.

Martin Luther King's traveling bible.

 

PINK PSA (Public Service Announcement) - MLK Day

It's MLK Day!  Take a minute to reflect & remember... 

It's a great time to reflect on Dr. King's vision, sacrifices and contributions to our country. His fight for human rights and his influential voice throughout the civil rights movement produced monumental changes. 

I don't think any other American has made an impact on this country like Dr. King.  I'm reminded of him daily. He's everywhere.  His thoughts, his words, his dreams....they're still here. 

"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

(PINK) Public Service Announcement

Martin Luther King, Jr. day is officially observed on January 17^th.  Some folks see it as the most-awaited first holiday break of the year and some see it as a time to reflect and rejoice.  I choose the latter. 

Dr. King’s life is a movement and it didn’t end in 1968.  I was a part of it in 2008, when President Obama became the 44^th President of the United States.  I can experience it 24-hours a day on a cable network called OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) and I’m encouraged by it when I think of people like Bill Gates, Marian Edelman and Hydeia Broadbent.

My favorite quote by Dr. King is actually a question:

"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"

My answer: Not enough.  What's yours?