“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality,” Dr. King said. “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1967

The bold vision articulated passionately by Martin Luther King, Jr. more than 50 years ago remains even more inspiring and powerful today. While most reasonable people now share Dr. King’s beliefs (as was not the case five decades ago), far too many people—including young people—still espouse points of view that are diametrically opposed to his conviction that only love can drive out hate. 

As individuals and as a society, we have a sacred obligation to witness to the truth that “there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; we are all one in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 3:28). What’s more, we are all equal in human dignity and civil rights. Anyone who disputes this truth, or acts contrary to its fundamental principles, is a racist and a fool.