The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King

The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King, Jr., had hoped to be a Baptist preacher in a Southern city. Instead, by the time he was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39, he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and had led millions of people in a nonviolent movement that shattered forever the Southern system of segregation of the races. His eloquent, passionate advocacy of civil and human rights, rooted in the techniques of peaceful demonstration pioneered by Mahatma Gandhi, brought a new dimension of dignity to people's lives and a new hope for freedom and the community of man.

Throughout his brief life, his words communicated his vision, his passion, and his faith, and they demonstrated his gift to inspire others to follow his lead. He asked to be remembered as a drum major for justice, and he is.

Created as a living memorial to the philosophies and ideas of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this essential volume includes more than 120 quotations from the greatest civil rights leader's speeches, sermons, and writings, along with 16 historical photographs. Selected and introduced by Coretta Scott King, this book helps keep the dream alive by focusing on seven areas of his concern: the community of man, racism, civil rights, justice and freedom, faith and religion, nonviolence, and peace. The message these words convey is as inspiring and fundamental to life today as it ever was during his lifetime. As Dr. King said, Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. . . .This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), Nobel Peace Prize laureate and architect of the nonviolent civil rights movement, was among the twentieth century's most influential figures. One of the greatest orators in U.S. history, King also authored several books, including Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, and Why We Can't Wait. His speeches, sermons, and writings are inspirational and timeless. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.

Coretta Scott King (1927-2006), the wife of Martin Luther King, Jr., was an author and a human rights activist. She helped lead the civil rights movement after King's assassination, carrying the message of nonviolence and the dream of a beloved community to many countries and spearheading civil rights coalitions and foundations.

Distinguished author and civil rights lawyer Marian Wright Edelman has been a lifelong advocate for disadvantaged Americans and is the president of the Children's Defense Fund.