Thank God we have the example of Martin Luther King, Jr. People need role models. They need to see examples of people in peoples' lives, and that's why it's so important not just to commemorate his life, but to study and try to live by the principles of that life.
Interpretation
Role models inspire people to live by strong principles.
Coretta Scott King emphasizes the importance of having role models like Martin Luther King, Jr. who exemplify noble values. She advocates for not just commemorating his life, but actively studying and emulating the principles he stood for, as these examples can guide and inspire individuals in their own lives.
In practice
During a motivational speech about the importance of civil rights, a speaker might cite this quote to encourage learning from leaders.
I've always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy. The civil rights movement thrives on unity and inclusion, not division and exclusion. My husband's struggle parallels that of the gay rights movement.
...We have an historic opportunity for a great global healing and renewal. If we will accept the challenge of nonviolent activism with faith, courage, and determination, we can bring this great vision of a world united in peace and harmony from a distant ideal into glowing reality.
I think if people really read Martin Luther King, Jr., then they would begin to understand what he really represented.
It doesn't matter how strong your opinions are. If you don't use your power for positive change, you are, indeed, part of the problem.
Sometimes, I am also identified as a civil rights leader or a human rights activist. I would also like to be thought of as a complex, three-dimensional, flesh-and-blood human being with a rich storehouse of experiences, much like everyone else, yet unique in my own way, much like everyone else.
People don't ever have to starve to death; there are solutions. We have failed if we can't eradicate hunger in Africa and Ethiopia.
I wasn't a great communicator, but I communicated great things.
I used to say of Napoleon that his presence on the field made the difference of forty thousand men.
People want guidance, not rhetoric. They need to know what the plan of action is, and how it will be implemented. They want to be given responsibility to help solve the problem and authority to act on it.
I may have hurt some people along the way, but I would like to be seen as somebody who has done his best to do the right thing for any situation and not compromised.
Leaders must invoke an alchemy of great vision.
If you are building a corporate culture of greatness, you have to define culture on your own terms and with the people you work with.
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