An editorial from The Exponent Telegram
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Today throughout much of the country, residents will pause to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an inspirational orator, man of God and civil rights leader who was taken from us on that bleak April day in 1968, his life snuffed out far too young by an assassin’s bullet.
In some areas, ceremonies and church services will be held. Some residents will remember the works of King by participating in the National Day of Service initiative. And we’re encouraged to see that great effort will go into educating our young people on Dr. King’s legacy and leadership.
In years past on this day, we’ve editorialized on King’s greatness in moving people to change, with his words and his actions.
Make no mistake, while Dr. King was a man who preached non-violence, his words were his sword and shield and he used them in the defense of others — the oppressed, be they black or white.
He hoped and prayed for a nation that knew no colors; a nation that treated rich and poor fairly and equally.
It was the topic of many of his most well-known speeches, including his most famous:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
“I Have a Dream” were the words of Dr. King on Aug. 28, 1963, as the civil rights movement moved to Washington, D.C. on a Jobs and Freedom March.
With 200,000-plus spectators listening attentively, King delivered one of the most noted speeches in modern history…