Two days ago, I drove past a place of worship in my neighborhood. The sign outside read: “New Year, New Hope.” There was something beautifully prophetic in that simple message.
As we approach the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 16th, we pause to reflect on the greatness of the man—and to recommit ourselves to the values he stood for: fairness, justice, and love.
For many of us, Dr. King’s message is elegantly simple: Treat one another with dignity and respect. Yet turning those words into consistent action—that’s where the challenge begins.
He once said,
“Hatred and bitterness can never cure the disease of fear; only love can do that. Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”
On January 16th, across the country, we’ll hear stirring speeches, moving testimonies, and powerful songs. For one day, I’d like to believe we will all be united in love, purpose, and hope. There’s something extraordinary about the spirit of this day—places of worship, community halls, and schools will ring out with voices singing, “We shall overcome someday.”
I love that spirit. But I believe we can carry it forward beyond just one day. Together, we can live that spirit year-round.
America is a mosaic of ideas, cultures, and dreams. Our strength lies in our diversity—in listening to voices that don’t echo our own. As Dr. King reminded us:
“Many people fear nothing more terribly than to take a position which stands out sharply and clearly from the prevailing opinion… Not a few men who cherish lofty and noble ideals hide them under a bushel for fear of being called different.”
He stood for inclusion, not exclusion. For a table that welcomes different opinions and different backgrounds. He understood that progress doesn’t come from everyone thinking the same—it comes from everyone being heard.
To paraphrase him:
When hate is loud, love must speak louder.
When injustice persists, justice must rise up.
So wherever you are this MLK Day—at a gathering, in reflection, in prayer, or at work—be intentional about making a difference. This is a defining moment, and Dr. King’s most persistent question still rings true:
“What are you doing for others?”
Let’s carry that question with us. And let’s answer it with action.
Written by : Marietta Colston-Davis
