In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. we set aside today as a holiday. While it is a historic day, it is not a time to look back with either the extremes of sentimentality or heated debate. It’s a time for appreciation, work and looking toward the future.

There are many clips of Dr. King’s speeches. I chose this one because it includes what he said before the well known “I’ve been to the mountaintop” section from the last speech he gave. He refers to the real challenges that activists were facing right then and the real work involved. It was a time of struggle, life or death struggle. He speaks prophetically in the true sense of the word – naming injustices and calling us to change. It’s uncomfortable to hear. He calls us even today to help America be true to “what you said on paper.” To stand up for the right to assemble, of free speech. To reach out to those who are oppressed and help the helpless.

How does Dr. King challenge or inspire you in your work?