Rev. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Quotable

“Whatever career you may choose for yourself — doctor, lawyer, teacher — let me propose an avocation to be pursued along with it. Become a dedicated fighter for civil rights. Make it a central part of your life.” — Statement at a youth march for integrated schools, April 18, 1959.

“We are moving up a mighty highway toward the city of Freedom. There will be meandering points. There will be curves and difficult moments, and we will be tempted to retaliate with the same kind of force the opposition will use. But I’m going to say to you, ‘Wait a minute, Birmingham. Somebody’s got to have some sense in Birmingham.’” — Statement at 16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala., May 3, 1963.

“He is very articulate, but I totally disagree with many of his political and philosophical views. … Maybe he does have some of the answers. I know that I have often wished that he would talk less of violence, because violence is not going to solve our problem.” — Speaking on Malcolm X.

“We will be sadly mistaken if we think freedom is some lavish dish that the federal government and the white man will pass out on a silver platter while the Negro merely furnishes the appetite.” — Chicago campaign, 1966.