“We honor this man –- because he had faith in us,” said President Obama at the opening of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication in Washington D.C. on October 16, 2011.
“That is why he belongs on this Mall -– Because he saw what we might become.”
“The fact that he was a hero to me and that I knew then and know even more every day that people live in direct relation to the heroes and sheroes. The fact that he was of such importance to my country, to my people, all those facts must take backstage to the truth that he was killed on my birthday. That my friend was killed on my birthday. It becomes a very personal loss. I [still] find myself unable to celebrate my birthday. I have taken his assassination personal. And my life will forever be changed.” —Maya Angelou
The actor remembered Dr. King by reading his powerful “Beyond Vietnam” speech at Riverside Church in New York City (the same place where Dr. King read the speech in 1967).
“I think he’s inspired the whole country and the world. The themes and the ideas of his movement have inspired many other movements subsequently to achieve revolutionary things through non-violence. And I think even looking at President Barack’s rise, it’s part of that fulfillment of what Dr. King dreamed about and worked for.” —John Legend
“Growing up, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the one photograph that every Black household had. There were little placards made out of metal stuck against the wall. You followed him because he was holding your hope. The hope that you were going to be able to live your life full with equality.” —Forest Whitaker
Bono and his band U2 honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the song “Pride (In the Name of Love)” in 1984.
“Shot rings out in the Memphis sky/Free at last, they took your life/They could not take your pride.” —Bono