Dr. William M. Wilson, President of Oral Roberts University, issues the following statement in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
When we reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we stand at the crossroads of history and hope. Here, we look back, never forgetting Dr. King’s heroism—along with the heroism of those around him—in the face of cruelty, prejudice, and discrimination. At the same time, we are compelled to look forward, never losing hope that love will conquer evil and mend humanity’s divisions.
In the face of adversity, Dr. King responded with love, championing the principles of charity, compassion, and nonviolence. His speech “Where Do We Go from Here?” encapsulates the essence of transformative power—one rooted in love and harnessed in the pursuit of justice. Dr. King reminds us that:
“Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.”
The greatest level of power is not brute force or coercion, but a force intricately woven with love. Love will never fail us, and to love one another is what we are commanded to do. Through love, Dr. King called us to work toward a world where every individual is afforded dignity and respect, expressing the inward hope that each person “…not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Dr. King gave his life in radical obedience to the struggle for equality. In a world trying to dissolve the foundations of absolute truth, may we today, on January 15, 2024, stake our claim in allegiance to a cause greater than ourselves. The fierce urgency of this day propels us towards a future where freedom, equality, and justice are the birthright of every citizen. In the face of injustice, may our responses be resolute. In the pursuit of equality, may our dedication be unwavering. In the practice of faith, may our love be boundless and unconditional.
With profound gratitude, I thank God for Dr. King’s vision, voice, and example. Looking back, history shows that we have come a long way as a nation. Looking forward, reality shows that we still have work to do. And for this cause, we must all stand for compassion and equality, remembering the words of Dr. King:
“The time is always right to do what is right.”