Inspire Students with the Words of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr

Today is the anniversary of the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. The day before he died, Dr King delivered one of his famous and powerful speeches, stating: "Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! And so I'm happy, tonight."

Now 43 years later, we see relentless assaults being waged on the ideals for which Dr King stood. Cuts to education, social programs, attacks on health care ... all while resources are diverted to more wars and corporate tax breaks. But activists and students around the country are fighting back. For example, Cornel West and Frances Fox Piven are hosting a teach-in explaining the debt crisis and assaults on public education and the working/middle class. The teach-in will be streamed throughout the country, followed by moderated discussion of the talk and possibilities for local action going forward. You can use the words of Dr King to get your students inspired and active in these defining issues of their generation. To find local events today and across the week, click here.

I would like to thank Michelle Corbin for suggesting this video.

Paul Dean