MLK Day Special: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in His Own Words

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Today is the federal holiday that honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was born January 15, 1929. He was assassinated April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. He was just 39 years old. While Dr. King is primarily remembered as a civil rights leader, he also championed the cause of the poor and organized the Poor People’s Campaign to address issues of economic justice. Dr. King was also a fierce critic of U.S. foreign policy and the Vietnam War. We play his “Beyond Vietnam” speech, which he delivered at New York City’s Riverside Church on April 4, 1967, as well as his last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” that he gave on April 3, 1968, the night before he was assassinated.
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[@powellp25]

What a visionary MLK Jr. was. His words are even more relevant today. We were blessed to have such an honorable leader❤🙏🏼

[@powellp25]

Thank you Democracy Now, Amy, for allowing your listeners to comemorate Dr. King's memory with his visionary speeches, just as relevant today as they were 56 years ago.

[@paraglidingnut26]

And the Democrat party supported slavery. Great job Democrat's!

[@jo-annerichardson34]

Wonderful look back at his insightful and significant speeches so applicable to the present, sadly.

[@SirCreepyPastaBlack]

Im not thanking any of these pandering news stations. They are profiting off this. Thank you, MLK Jr for standing up for what's right. Even though you saw the cost. Your words are still bringing hope to us.

[@Al-Rudigor]

White America hates to hear that Dr. King was for reparations.

[@menudobucket9837]

A man of greatest integrity who took up his cross and followed the example given him all the way to martyrdom as his example, the Christ, did. Shining a light on the TRUTH is mortally dangerous and often fatal. Purveyors of deception prefer the darkness. This is the reason that independent journalism is so important, and very costly in terms of treasure and lives. Thank you, DemocracyNow, for all the work you do!

[@DianaSmith-pr5kz]

Agreed. Thank you Democracy Now for your important work.

[@conniefoss9382]

Yes, amen!

[@felinefokus]

Amen. Wonderfully said!

[@menudobucket9837]

@saramill2097~ Better check your sources.. the FBI was responsible for his death.

[@menudobucket9837]

@saramill2097~ Abernathy.. the FBI agent who witnessed it, no doubt. Again, check your sources.

[@nursemcfarlane6655]

Hard to believe Dr. King if alive is 95 years old. It is possible he be alive today. We mourn the depth of wisdom lost. We mourn for the co-opting of his image. For many including myself never fully read his writings, listened to all his speeches instead be led about by mainstream media. We mourn! All these days, weeks, months, years, decades, half a century without. Deep loss. Keep in mind we establish a holiday, a center, streets, buildings and so on, so that you Dr. King lives on.

[@annabee4497]

His words are as true now as they were then. So prescient and so wise. May his memory and legacy be eternal! The forces of evil killed h8m 1 year later but his words and example remain for posterity.

[@feistygheisty]

True he sounds exactly like the left before and after him. Once in a generation voice for the liberation we will keep demanding until the next generation picks up where we leave off.

[@dolinaj1]

Dr King was murdered by a nondescript, largely non-political, petty thug, and man of neither honor nor purpose.

[@orvillesashay6924]

Exactly as he said, it was the deadly force of his own government. This holiday is so wonderful and terrible, inspiring and schizophrenic. The United States has never collectively reckoned with this. Thank you for laying down your life, MLK

[@TrisRamos]

The substance of MLKJr’s speech continues to be true today with respect to so many of USA aggressions as we characterize the “enemy” as the aggressor while WE are on side of wealthy, decimating poor militarily-weak folks in other lands. We STILL desperately need a revolution of values in America. We continue to be on the wrong side. JFK’s words also ring true: those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

[@DianaSmith-pr5kz]

100%

[@nataliap.7519]

100%

[@GladysFrison]

u t5😊

[@paraglidingnut26]

Let me guess, where have the burning and looting events occur. BLM? ANTIFA? Btw, MLK was a Republican.

[@jo-annerichardson34]

Absolutely agree. 💯🇰🇼🍉

[@conniefoss9382]

Chillingly prophetic speech. Thank you for remindng us!

[@billhanna2148]

Hearing it for the first time it is CHILLING me to the bone of how relevant and prescient it is today...thank you Democracy Now !!

[@paraglidingnut26]

Are you reminded that the Democrat party supported slavery? Know your history.

[@user-rv9sb6hy1t]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS MEMORABLE VIDEO, it refreshed my memory; brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of our past and future struggles.... ( a 74 year old baby boomer!)

[@nilaja-itsmylife]

I have loved this man since first I heard him. Thank you Democracy Now for keeping his dream Alive ✨🙌🏽

[@kathryngannon485]

Amen.

[@paraglidingnut26]

Oh yet, racial diversity is so wonderful today. Congratulations for supporting the party that supported slavery.

[@WingoTribe704]

SMH yall are so blind and gullible

[@EbNorth]

​@@WingoTribe704MLK was a cheater, liar, a hypocrite. MLK took advantage of women that looked up to him as a religious preacher. MLK cheated on his thesis(?) in college.

[@S.O.Ltv3989]

Im glad I attended an elementary school that was dedicated to the life and works of MLK. Passaic NJ MLK #6 school 💚

[@dennismiller5725]

Remarkable speech that was not printed in newspapers of the West.

[@paulvamos7319]

😂 I bet this is making the right wing bigots mad as hell! They don't want speeches like this remembered! Thank you Amy and crew of D.N. for making one of the most iconic civil rights leaders speeches available to everyone who has forgotten them! 😊 Happy M.L.K. Jr. day! 🎉

[@andreabrown4541]

Barry Gordy reduced Dr. King's and Malcolm X's speeches to records in the late 1960s. If white America (the West) wanted to know what either said, it wouldn't have been difficult to find out. We, black people, did not hide our history.

[@rogermansour6085]

MLK a great man who spoke against the war RIP. We lost 57,200 men in Vietnam..I was 18 in 1965 and drafted in the army and would of been sent to fight that senseless war.I moved to Puerto Rico instead and was told I was not needed for service since I was a hippie. Today I'm 76 and been serving God for the past 42 years as an Evangelist and missionary to Haiti .I praise God he saved me and I always say I'm living on borrowed time.

[@Al-Rudigor]

He thought that speaking for other downtrodden people would be good for everyone. Black people got the government to remove caps on immigration. Assuming that those people would be natural allies. However, once immigrants get here they join team white supremacy. Asians are some of the most rabid racists in America. Black Americans are on their own. If you are not for reparations, you are not for us.

[@iem61]

He could be talking today. What an amazing man.

[@paraglidingnut26]

No, you'd would hate him today. Different times for Democrat's, hate is their main cause today.

[@iem61]

@@paraglidingnut26 I am neither republican nor democrat. I resent both for what they have done to this country. There must be more intelligent leaders who care more about America than their party and their pockets. We have very smart scientists great artists great writers. We must have better people than the trash in both sides running this country.

[@kevinmansell8746]

President Dr King back in that time was talking to all Americans not just Black America but every last one of us

[@mauricescott4675]

Rip my brother u still live on threw us we love you

[@kathryngannon485]

What a truly great human being. He was almost a seer they won't allow people like him exist. God bless you MLK.

[@TennesseeJed]

Thanks Amy and Democracy Now team!

[@paraglidingnut26]

Oh yes, support the party that actually supported slavery, great job!

[@UneVoixMondiale]

It is amazing that MLK was so wise at only 38 years of age.

[@feddi7693]

That’s a fact they don’t make em like him anymore💯

[@matt3024]

​@@feddi7693 You can only make YOURSELF that way.

[@donHooligan]

Fred Hampton was 21, and a bit wiser. (some might say)

[@5pctLowBattery]

Now today’s 35-40 year olds are explaining to some blue hair nose piercing on Tick Tock, why they don’t hang out anymore. “…good times create weak men..”

[@feddi7693]

@@matt3024 great point💯🎯👌🏽

[@tyroned114]

Democracy Now gave us 3 separate speeches, when all news networks will only talk about 1 today.

[@ilovemyolive]

MLK would not want this day to be a holiday, but i day to get to work. Speak up for freedom. Give a voice to the voiceless 🕊

[@dolinaj1]

MLK Jr Day is intended to be a day of service to others.

[@lindaharris3432]

How you know what Dr. King wanted , did you ask him before he was murdered ?

[@lonniefloyd1091]

I disagree with you on that..... Without out it his work would be hidden and eventually fade away with the other black history, that's finding it's ways out of schools...

[@lindaharris3432]

@@lonniefloyd1091 we not talking about his work , we talking about what you said concerning work and the holiday . You don't just have to be at work to carry on Dr. KING work , it's a big world out there for people to be off work and carry out his work without someone saying you need to get back to work . Do you regret that Dr. Martin Luther KING jr. has a day that HONOR him ? Because what you think is narrow minded and benefits only those that make money on you being at work on the clock .

[@andreabrown4541]

Seriously, for decades Coretta Scott King took petitions with the signatures of mostly black folk to Congress for this recognition. My only regret was that my community wouldn't allow those of us who were teens to sign the petitions. My mother belonged to the NAACP when she was a teen and had been involved in activism since then before there was a "civil rights movement." So I looked upon it as part of our culture.

[@salliemae9284]

Thank you Amy and Democracy now channel for sharing this Happy 95th birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.R.I.P.

[@onalos1271]

❤❤❤ Sending to my 4 college age children to remember the ideas of this great American.

[@oneworldonehome]

"Great times create great people. No one becomes great in the face of complacency or indulgences. Here it will not be just a few exceptional individuals in the human family that will make all the difference, for many more people must be called to their higher purpose now. And higher purpose is not just simply a definition or an idea. It is an immense sense of responsibility and self-determination leading to dramatic action." _The New Message from God_

[@ralphny]

Thank you Amy and Democracy Now.

[@deidaraer]

Unreal. My heart aches for his death, and how fifty years later, his dream has not been realized. It makes me angry, sad, yet hopeful. Our leaders today cannot compare. Thank you, Democracy Now!, for sharing this!

[@justmyopinion9883]

We appear to be getting further away from Dr King’s dream with each passing year. 😢

[@bradprice3061]

The seed of truth sprouts up on this day as it did that one. Keep your heads up! The darkness cannot stop the light. It can only smother it for a short time

[@StateOfPurgatory]

It is too much pain we lost a human like him

[@goodpanda6901]

too much yet you can handle it...

[@jamesmoses6092]

Dry bones live ❤!

[@StateOfPurgatory]

I just want to cry When I feel A Noble man like him was murdered

[@donHooligan]

"just stare...and live the nightmare" --Rage Against The Machine

[@kevinmansell8746]

we having hard times again because that orange creature hate again

[@AnotherDaywithJuneDay]

So many powerful and prophetic quotes. “Love is the key.” “Power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight” “We have made peaceful revolution impossible by refusing to give up the privileges and pleasures that come from the immense profits of over seas investments” “We must rapidly begin the shift from a thing oriented society to a person oriented society.”

[@RobertAnderson-s2l]

One of my professors worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, and it was one of the most meaningful and fullfilling experiences of his life. If King were alive, I believe that he would be speaking at Free Palestine protests.

[@NakedSageAstrology]

God Bless You Dr. MLK Jr 🙏

[@paraglidingnut26]

MLK is blessed because he was a minister first before being an activist, and a Republican.

[@charless971]

@@paraglidingnut26 Interesting, considering he never believed in Jesus. If you only knew the real truth of this pervert.

[@chegelenny]

​@@charless971it doesn't matter, when we know it is DR King is the greatest man to Walk on planet earth 🌎 in the past 200 years second is Malcolm x

[@aabrightlove]

The ending of his final speech is so haunting; it's like he knew what was about to happen

[@dolinaj1]

He absolutely did know, and said so often.

[@orvillesashay6924]

Once the FBI decides you're going to die, you're probably going to die. His bravery and commitment cost him his life, but look what he gave us. That remarkable human will probably haunt us till the end.

[@langturner1542]

He said he would not live past his 40th birthday, he died at 39

[@feddi7693]

The great prophets always know💯

[@57highland]

​@@langturner1542He suspected as far back as 1963 that he would die violently. Mrs. King stated in a later interview that when they were watching the TV coverage of the assassination of President Kennedy, he said, "That's exactly how I'm going to die. Because our country is still too sick."

[@Gph0367]

Listen to him speak, still gives me goosebumps. What a giant✊

[@actthree7810]

"A Cloud Never Dies" Thich Nhat Hahn When Dr King met Thay, he recognized himself in him. Thay teaches about interconnectedness. Dr King recognized the Pureland as the Kingdom. And Thay recognized the Kingdom as the Pureland. They are both still teaching us. A cloud never dies. 😌 🙏 Palms Together With Gratitude

[@feistygheisty]

Interesting person thanks for bringing up his name. I will try to read up on him later.

[@actthree7810]

@@feistygheisty He was a very determined person. He went on to establish some monasteries. One is Plum Village, in France. Another is Deer Park, in California. They each have English language YT channels. They are very accessible. He was the genuine article.

[@howielisnoff]

So many of the issues that Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for have not been achieved. So much hate across this land, so many in prison, so much poverty, and so much war, but Martin Luther King, Jr., got it right and that is something precious to hold onto.

[@Alll2017]

‘Deep psychological defeat’ .. even in strategic victory … that was so beautiful it made me cry. I was a military brat and was 7 when NZ/Vietnam war ended .. dads came back ‘different’

[@lindamalone2538]

Thank you for sharing this, the irony that that this is still relevant does not escape me, we still have far to go...

[@bertramdavis7120]

The reason to truly believe in God is through this man. I miss you Dr.king.

[@veritas4104]

Hands down the best Orator in human history.

[@dolinaj1]

He and Abraham Lincoln share that distinction.

[@robbiethepict2783]

Let freedom ring.

[@kenyangaza5671]

Do you agree the US doesn't listen to the voice of reason?

[@paulwellman1030]

That is obvious. You can substitute Ukraine & Israel for Vietnam and nothing has changed.

[@donHooligan]

@@paulwellman1030 US was "Israel" when North America was inhabited by (Palestinians) indigenous people.

[@paulwellman1030]

Spot on. We were the poster child for genocide. Nothing has changed.@@donHooligan

[@paulwellman1030]

It is really hard to reason with a bunch of Sheeple. Especially when they are fed a constant diet of propaganda which they eat like candy. @@hoosierbaddy3052

[@Katie-yu1cv]

If you use lower case then I reckon us humans don't have much use for reason. Logic is socially unacceptable.

[@feistygheisty]

Respect to the Man, the Myth, the Legend. Brilliant and principled until the day he died.

[@feddi7693]

MLK was such a great preacher 🗣️

[@paraglidingnut26]

MLK was a minister before being an activist. But the Democrat party no longer supports God or the Black community, if you actually knew American history.

[@PrayerOfMannesah]

The most powerful in America politicians now licks their chops to seek the black church in America it’s not a good thing the american people cannot be without the black church it’s one of our only hopes.

[@dolinaj1]

He was a profound practitioner of his own words and exhortations, and still so very much missed.

[@Victory111-3]

Thank you 🙌🏾 for showing MLK and his contribution to the world ❤️

[@vickifreeman2824]

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great man. Thank you for honoring him on this day.

[@topotheworld1589]

Certainly appropriate for our recent times...

[@CarmenSantana-jn3nb]

That was a dark day for democracy and freedom what he gave his life for world peace rip respect namaste 🙏 😢 ❤

[@Mcw-t6c]

MLK DID NOT "GIVE" HIS LIFE! HE WAS "MURDERED" LIKE TOO MANY OTHER OF HIS PEOPLE. MURDERED, FOR ANTI-U.S. FBA/BLACK WS RACISTS WITH OTHERS TO HAVE THEIR GREEDY, WICKED WAYS

[@charleskesner1302]

Have we learned noting in our 246 years of existence? Spending 6.4 trillion on militarism since 2001, ignoring the needs of those in the homeland. MLK speaks to us today. Thanks for broadcasting this.

[@larryross1819]

"We are five days from fundamentally changing the United States of America". Democrat Barry instituted, endorsed, and placed the federal government’s many resources behind the Marxist division of America into oppressed and oppressor groups -- using race and sex as substitutes for workers and producers. The destruction of national unity, the downplaying of merit and equal opportunity (in pursuit of equal outcomes) and the deliberate favoring of our enemies over our allies is now manifest. Almost two decades later, we have seen how these policies have led to wars in the Middle East, the destruction of our educational systems, danger to our lives from poor management, and a substantially weakened military capability. From the personnel and policies that resulted in the wars in the Middle East to the appointment of the antisemitic Claudine Gay, we see Barry’s sissy hand !Q!Q! We turned over our country to a 1/2 black, gay, democrat, muslim who hated the United States of America and did not grow up here. What did you think would happen?

[@suaimhneas123]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHOWING THESE SPEECHES BY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR - THANK YOU ! ! !

[@asmahamidullah9571]

Thank you for this. Democracy Now= Excellent news reporting. May God bless Martin Luther King Jr. Relevant today as it was then! 🙏🏿😭

[@yasminlassiter1911]

How profound this speech could be given today in 2024 and be absolutely pertinent.

[@1954SkyKing]

Awesome Tribute to a timeless voice for truth, equality, dignity and unselfish devotion toward the uplifting of all human beings, especially the least among us.

[@caitlynhoffman3504]

Thank you for this- I thought I knew Dr. King, but this led me down a day-long rabbit hole in honor of his legacy. I learned so much, and will continue learning from here, as well as truly honoring his legacy every year. As a white woman, I knew his history had been whitewashed and his legacy twisted, but I did not realize how much that matters, and how much I had to learn from him. Thank you for sharing his speech instead of just a cherry picked quote. It matters.

[@powellp25]

Thank God for MLK Jr.

[@karenbaird1292]

I can still hear my mother screaming at the t.v. and the injustice of that day.....😢

[@darkmankind]

Thank you Democracy Now for letting us hear Dr. King in his own words.

[@dolinaj1]

You may hear and read him on the internet easily and whenever you are moved to do so.

[@darkmankind]

@@dolinaj1, I personally like books, I'm old-fashioned like that. But thanks for the suggestion.

[@goodpanda6901]

you can hear his words all over youtube, just type his name in search bar.

[@darkmankind]

@@goodpanda6901, you can read them in books too.

[@Victory111-3]

Oh my goodness I’m at awe I can see why this video is not popular in the west 😭🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 he’s hitting the hammer on the head and it’s pulls the cover off of the west prophetically

[@Yaya7773]

I pray for the freedom fighters of Palestine! May they have freedom soon!

[@goodpanda6901]

no freedom fighters in palestine, only terrorists.

[@sylvias1966]

I pray for them too!

[@euniceaugust2197]

Thanks Amy for the Dr. Martin Luther King video. I never tire of that one and also thanks to Democracy Now.

[@felinefokus]

Amazing. Happy King Day. I loved the host introduction of him, stating what he really fought for. 🧡

[@valentinadivina2229]

His message should ring alot of 🔔🔔 🔔 Beautiful citizens of the world. We must stay unite in the name of 🕊️ Peace 🕊️ and keep speak out for the ones who are being oppress 💕 ✊✌️👶👼🕊️💯💕

[@BlOoDr3DxViSiOn]

King cared about all life on this planet we call earth! let freedom ring for all humanity blessings and unity

[@charlottereynolds1329]

Thank you! This Documentary was so insightful and moving with emotions. Helpful, but yet Sad.

[@S.O.Ltv3989]

May our freedom help proclaim our KING!

[@zalllon]

What amazing man. His words never be forgotten, and never be lost..

[@alexconstable3155]

A comprehensive manifesto for human coexistence -- in 1967! 💚

[@paulvamos7319]

Thank you for keeping this great man relevant and not letting him be lost to history! 😢

[@gregoryhunter961]

POWERFUL! LONG LIVE THE SPIRIT OF MARTIN LUTHER KING!

[@katmandew2152]

Thank you on this truelly relevant aniverary

[@sharlagardner]

Thank you for sharing the angry, peaceful warrior, Martin Luther King with us today. His message is even more relevant and meaningful now.

[@talebedoo1519]

Wow , what a speech Thanks democracy Now

[@arshadwaheed380]

What a heart touching ending of his speech on April 3, 1968

[@imotch93]

My favorite speech from MLK ❤️ Still applies today, thanks for sharing!

[@louisesumrell6331]

The Buddhist leader he quoted was Zen Master Thich Nhat Hahn. 🙏💖🌄

[@missmissy2490]

I just want to sit down and cry. God Bless MLK.

[@eddiebow1]

His words are TRUTH!!!!

[@billmurray7473]

Rest In Power Martin Luther King 🙏 🙏 🙏.

[@ralphplummer1239]

Visionary.

[@xiomaragonzalez6952]

I couldn’t help myself I must listen this amazing speech again ❤

[@andreellis2167]

Thank you Democracy Now! We need to be reminded of the greatness of this man every year!

[@BrianKiprop-si1mc]

I really enjoy listening to his speeches,,, He was a great man indeed,,, continue resting in peace😢King

[@swayde1228]

it almost feels like a joke that this country gave him a holiday after they destroyed his voice and fought against him at every turn, they didnt listen to him, and then gave him a holiday. and they just continued in their ways, and he was 100 percent correct.

[@RobinHerzig]

“The Fierce Urgency of Now” ✊ Never Again Means NOW

[@highestgood5169]

Outstanding. "Communism is a judgement against failures in democracy"....key, key. Thank you, Democracy Now. I remember Vietnam as it was "cancelled" in terms of family coming home and friends living with their traumatized Dads....we simply cannot forget the trauma of generations and cannot forget MLK.

[@cynthiar.2851]

What an exceptional way to be fortified to fight for justice on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Action. May thanks for sharing this phenomenal broadcast.

[@libbyrumary4939]

This is the first time I’ve ever heard the speech. Wow.!!!!

[@melissaseeley4244]

"Beyond Vietnam" Speech is incredible!! Pro-peace please!💜

[@miketurek3074]

Unfortunately the Madness remains.

[@equillawoods9082]

Thank you DR.martin Luther king❤

[@dlamontw]

Only 39 they kill us early but we make such an impact at an early age.

[@Arrioc.]

Kings words with the beginning speeches about Vietnam apply to Gaza.

[@Jooooooooooooooooiijj]

Black Africans are still being enslaved by the Arabs in Africa right now get lost

[@NeilEvans-xq8ik]

Happy MLK Day, my brothers and sisters. We're still poor.

[@donalddavis6689]

I Love ❤️ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr 👑!! He Are A Legend By His Own Right 👍 👍.

[@abdulsharif6541]

Salute to the Honorable Dr Martin Luther King Jr. May He Continue to Rest In Peace and Power

[@danielavalos3585]

GOD bless Dr. Martin King Jr

[@maxsarjay5730]

The mountain of my dreams may not ever come true it didn't for Dr Martin Luther King jr. And it seems like it may not ever but I will not stop dreaming. Knowing that racism is a illusion and it's always time to join hands in peace. We shall overcome someday

[@claudiamason.]

PURE BRILLIANCE.

[@StateOfPurgatory]

His speech is for today , Change the name to Palestine

[@patriciamartinez-lx8dy]

Thank you Democracy Now, Amy, for this historical tribute of MLK. We, the people who believe in equality, freedom, and civil rights for all , must keep his dream alive. He was a leader of compassion, peace, love and unity for man. God represents love not hate.

[@NFHandler]

This was really excellent, thank you Amy!

[@ttselha64]

Have to agree with Dr. King😢

[@nilaja-itsmylife]

God is Love ✨🙏🏾❤️

[@hoosierbaddy3052]

Indeed! ❤