Time Experience Thoughts

In Memphis to support sanitation workers, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated April 4, 1968. The previous night he spoke at the Church of God in Christ Headquarters there in Memphis where he delivered another (and final) of his famous speeches. This “I’ve been to the mountaintop” speech poignantly ends with the following words:  “And then I got into Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop . And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain . And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land . I may not get there with yo...

August 28, 2013 is the fifty-year anniversary of Martin Luther King, Junior’s seminal 1963 speech, “I Have a Dream.” Below I offer brief commentary on a few paragraphs from the front half of the speech with the corresponding paragraphs of the back half. This arrangement also highlights what I believe to be the center section(s) where often the most poignant imagery of Christ obtains. So, in honor of the fiftieth anniversary and to remind us all of the best of what American can and should be, I offer this suggested outline and related commentary, with a link to the entire speech. I Have a Dream Delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, August 28, 1963 Suggested outline, summary A — The Greatest Demonstration for Freedom  B — The Emancipation Proclamation   C — An Exile in His Own Land    D — Honoring This Sacred Obligation     E — Stand on the Warm Threshold which leads into the Palace of Justice   ...