Thirty-eight years ago tonight, my family gathered to celebrate my brother’s tenth birthday. The party never happened. Martin Luther King was killed in Memphis earlier that day. Instead of celebrating, we sat quietly watching the news of his death and riots in some cities around the country.
I’ve spent the last couple of days thinking about change and change agents. Why change is so hard to achieve and what happens to change agents. In that context, these words of MLK have such great meaning:
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 you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land! So I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord! (MP3)
He spoke those words, without notes, less than 24 hours earlier in a speech he was not intending to give. He wasn’t feeling well, but his friend, Dr. Ralph Abernathy, asked him to speak just a few words to the crowd. I’m so glad he did!
MLK was a change agent. He took on a great struggle, gave his life in that struggle.
Thank you, Martin Luther King! — (full speech and narrative)
