Martin Luther King

1929-1968 20th century

Prayer that disarms: to draw from God what it takes to answer hatred with love.

Who was Martin Luther King?

A Baptist pastor from Atlanta, he led the nonviolent struggle for the rights of Black Americans, drawing from the Gospel and from prayer the strength to answer hatred with love. Imprisoned and threatened, he held firm until his assassination, never abandoning the hope of a reconciled brotherhood.

In their own words

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Strength to Love (1963)

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Reported words

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963)