Date Posted

Throughout his life, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested over twenty-nine (29) times on false charges as part of a scurrilous strategy to harass and intimidate him while he fought for basic human rights.

While Dr. King is best known for his civil rights activism, he was also deeply involved in advocating for labor rights and economic justice.

In one of his last sermons, "The Drum Major Instinct," he reflected on how he wanted to be remembered:

"I'd like somebody to mention that Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to serving others… and that I tried to love and serve humanity."

He did not want to be remembered for awards or personal achievements, but rather for his efforts to be effective in the lives of others, in his work for justice, and for his pursuit of equality for all people.

Dr. King did not want to be remembered for winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He didn’t want to be remembered for the institutions of higher learning which he attended, or that he was the valedictorian of his doctorate class.

He did not even want to be remembered for his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech delivered at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the largest civil rights demonstration ever in United States history

He simply wanted to be remembered for helping people who were in need.

“I’d like for somebody to say that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody,” he said. “I want you to be able to say that I did try to feed the hungry.

I want you to be able to say that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked . . . I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.”

Dr. King was also quite clear on the kind of legacy he wanted to leave. “I just want to leave a committed life behind. And that’s all I want to say.

If I can help somebody as I pass along,

If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,

If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong,

Then my living will not be in vain.”

We can honor Dr. King's incredible legacy by actively participating in the democratic process and the pursuit of humanity. This means not only casting our votes, but also advocating for those who may feel disenfranchised, amplifying marginalized voices, and ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to exercise their right to dignity and a pursuit of happiness.

Dr. King died in Memphis, Tennessee fighting for the rights of workers. As CWA members we can honor his legacy through our own dedicated actions for justice and working families. 

We can continue the essential work Dr. King began and strive for a future that is brighter and more equitable for every worker and every citizen.

Together, we can create the change we seek.