As most Americans know, Martin Luther King, Jr. was the most influential person involved in American civil rights improvements during the 20th century. 

Reverend King (he was trained as a Baptist Minister) became engaged in civil rights at a young age, when he was selected to lead the Montgomery, Alabama Bus Boycotts of 1955 and 1956.

Those Bus Boycotts and the ensuing civil rights changes in America were, of course, long overdue when Dr. King (he received his Ph D. in 1955) agreed to take the lead to pressure policy makers for changes to the antiquated policies and laws of Alabama and other parts of America regarding equitable treatment for all people. 

Dr. King helped to found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, which leveraged the power and voice of black churches; who conducted non-violent protests for civil rights changes.  Dr. King stressed the non-violent approach, as he was highly influenced by such peacemakers as Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhi, of India; and, of course, he was a Christian preacher himself.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was truly a peacemaker, and a true hero.  He stood up for what he knew was right; he put his life on the line for what he knew was right; he gave his life for what he knew was right. 

There may not be a better way to remember him than to know he fought selflessly as a Crusader for change; not change for himself, but change for future generations that he would never get to see for himself. 

As Jesus Christ taught: "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.". 

Dr. King selflessly and tirelessly worked at promoting peaceful solutions to what amounted to pure and blatant racism and prejudice; if only we could apply such wisdom and love to some of our other cultural foibles we still struggle with, and can’t seem to get past.

Thank you Reverend (Dr.) Martin Luther King, Jr.