1. Look Beyond The Extraordinary

One major problem that arises when Dr. King is remembered is a focus on the extraordinary or the highlights of his life. Images of a Civil Rights champion are displayed with great nostalgia, while the images of an ordinary man go ignored and overlooked. Many people never get to see the young boy in Atlanta, or the student hearing lectures at Morehouse College. They never see the happy groom smiling at his wedding, or the father relaxing with his children at home.

As the highlights are displayed one must also see the ordinary, and look beyond the extraordinary Civil Rights Champion. Yes, he was a great man, but he was also a normal man. A man who faced the joys and cares of life that are common among all people. Additionally, the ordinary helped to make him who he was, and gave him the heart for justice that is admired by many today.

2. Listen To The Other Speeches

Though “I Have A Dream” is powerful, Dr. King gave other inspiring orations. Furthermore, he spoke on subjects of justice apart from race and the Black struggle. There is “Beyond Vietnam” where he engages the problems of war, or his “Statement Announcing the Poor People’s Campaign” where he calls for economic reforms. Then there are sermons, he was a pastor after all, such as “Paul’s Letter to American Christians” and “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution“.

By looking at these other speeches one can get a better understand of Dr. King’s message, which often is simplified to a palatable call for peace and unity. But the truth is that his message was and is an unsettling prophetic challenge. A challenge that exposes the brokenness of the world, and calls for leaving comfort to mend it.

3. Learn From The Mistakes

Along with great success Dr. King experienced failure, and this cannot be dismissed while celebrating his life. Like all other people he was imperfect and made mistakes, and there are claims of scandals that have made some question his legacy. He also questioned his efforts for racial unity, and feared that he had integrated Black people into a “burning house”.

Not only is wisdom found where Dr. King got things right; it is also found where he got things wrong. There are lessons that his mistakes can teach one for the better. Positives gleaned from negatives that can further the work of justice. When these lessons are learned Dr. King is rightly remembered for who he was. Not an icon with a flawless shine, but an ordinary man who, despite his flaws, did extraordinary things that changed the world.

One last thing……

Be sure to play Stevie Wonder’s birthday song for Dr. King and sing your heart out!