Published by Evan | SCOJO New York on Jan 17th 2021
I have a dream...” ~ Martin Luther King Jr., August 28, 1963.
When Martin Luther King Jr. uttered these now famous words, it’s hard to imagine he knew the exact impact his speech upon the steps of the Lincoln Memorial would have upon all forthcoming generations. Which is why more than 50 years after his untimely passing, we still cling to King’s words of hope, pursuit of justice, and devotion toward ensuring equal rights and freedom for all people, regardless of the color of your skin.
As we celebrate the 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s essential to reflect upon why we honor the influential civil rights leader, as well as contemplate how his teachings shaped the world we live in now. The man who famously shared his iconic dream during times of trials and tribulations has left behind a legacy of inspirational lessons, principles, and wisdom that is still applicable to this very day.
From his organization and direction that helped spearhead the groundbreaking Civil Rights Act, to his leadership that hastened the seminal Voting Rights Act of 1965, Martin Luther King Jr.’s accomplishments are unparalleled. The milestones he achieved during his lifetime are nearly as extensive as the amount of societal impact he’s left behind since his passing. His life’s work has become embedded in the teachings of all subsequent generations around the world, and as we’ve continued to progress as a country, King’s emphasis on peace, compassion, and equality continues to motivate, galvanize, and unite our youth communities for now, and for many years to come.
In recognition of this vital holiday, we here at SCOJO New York would like to express our admiration for all of Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions by donating 20 percent of all revenue received from sales this January 18th to the King's Center. Customers can use the code ‘MLKDONATION’ upon checkout to ensure 20 percent of their purchase will go toward supporting this nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to maintaining Dr. King’s vision of nonviolent social change.
We’d also like to spotlight a few choice books on behalf of our bookselling partners at Shakespeare & Co., that we consider to be essential reading material that reflects and expresses Dr. King Jr.’s dream. Anyone interested in learning more about Dr. King Jr. straight from the source should consider reading ‘A Testament of Hope’, which is the only major one-volume compilation of almost all of King’s iconic speeches, enlightening essays, and informative interviews. Other acclaimed novels written by King himself include ‘Why We Can’t Wait’, where King recounts his reflections upon the Birmingham Campaign of 1963, as well as ‘I Have A Dream’, a mixed media project featuring both illustrated book and audio CD of King’s exemplary ‘I Have A Dream…’ speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Other essential civil rights reading material includes ‘Julian Bond's Time to Teach: A History of the Southern Civil Rights Movement’, an overarching historical account of the decades of struggle and turmoil endured during the civil rights movements throughout the South. Lastly, ‘The Promise and the Dream: The Untold Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. And Robert F. Kennedy’ is an excellent telling of the relationship between two of the 1960’s biggest public figures associated with the Civil Rights Movement.
So while we take in this holiday of remembrance, respect, and reaffirmation for a man who stood up for the equality, justice, and freedom for all people, we’ll leave you with another iconic quote from Martin Luther King Jr. that sums up the longevity and eternal significance of his legacy and influence.
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
We have donated $105 to the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change.