Activist…Leader…Hero… Author? January 17, 2008

When you hear the name Martin Luther King, Jr. what words come to mind? Activist, leader, minister, father, hero? What about author?

Most of have heard of his famous “I Have A Dream” and “I See The Promised Land” speeches. If you’re a history scholar, you may be familiar with his Nobel Prize acceptance speech and Letter From A Birmingham Jail. However most people don’t think of Dr. King as a writer. In a day when most leaders, politicians, etc. hire speech writers to take on this daunting task, I’m amazed at the insight, creativity and sheer brilliance of King’s writings.

I think about the days when I sit at the computer, look at the screen and wait for something (anything) to pop in my head. And then there are the days when words are flowing so fast, you can’t write them down fast enough or at all (i.e. driving). Did Dr. King ever have this problem? Did he have influencers? Did he practice reading his speeches to his wife (or friends) before he gave them in public? How many edits and re-edits? Just thinking about these questions gives me encouragement.

Whether you’re a writer seeking inspiration, a historian looking for answers or someone wanting insight, take some time to read or re-read some of Martin L. King’s works. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.