Delaware News

Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: The Spirit and Legacy of MLK, Jr.

Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | News | Date Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012



In confronting some of the worst of our nation, Martin Luther King, Jr. made clear so much of what’s best. He was one of the great leaders in history, one of the true champions not just of our time but of all time, but was, first and foremost a man of God, humbled in his presence and grateful for the life he was given.

Each year, on the holiday that bears his name, millions stop to hear anew his “I Have a Dream” speech and be inspired – not just by his power and eloquence – but by what those words make clear about our nation’s potential and its promise. That promise is best realized when we acknowledge as well one of the central truths from Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Because when times are hardest, there is an understandable temptation to turn on others – to make “everyone for themselves” a guiding principle. But King was right when he wrote – “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

This week, I will be invited by the State Legislature to give an update on the State of our State. There, I will make clear that we will keep focused on expanding opportunity for Delawareans – through a stronger economy, stronger schools, and a renewed commitment to governing responsibly. I expect to make the case that we are strongest when we work together, stand together, and push forward together – an idea as true decades ago as it is now.

While “I Have a Dream” might be Dr King’s most famous speech, the address he gave the night before he died is equally stirring, particularly in this call to action:”Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be.

We have an opportunity to make America a better nation. And I want to thank God, once more, for allowing me to be here with you.”Thank you for all you do, to keep Delaware, moving forward.

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Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: The Spirit and Legacy of MLK, Jr.

Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | News | Date Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012



In confronting some of the worst of our nation, Martin Luther King, Jr. made clear so much of what’s best. He was one of the great leaders in history, one of the true champions not just of our time but of all time, but was, first and foremost a man of God, humbled in his presence and grateful for the life he was given.

Each year, on the holiday that bears his name, millions stop to hear anew his “I Have a Dream” speech and be inspired – not just by his power and eloquence – but by what those words make clear about our nation’s potential and its promise. That promise is best realized when we acknowledge as well one of the central truths from Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Because when times are hardest, there is an understandable temptation to turn on others – to make “everyone for themselves” a guiding principle. But King was right when he wrote – “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

This week, I will be invited by the State Legislature to give an update on the State of our State. There, I will make clear that we will keep focused on expanding opportunity for Delawareans – through a stronger economy, stronger schools, and a renewed commitment to governing responsibly. I expect to make the case that we are strongest when we work together, stand together, and push forward together – an idea as true decades ago as it is now.

While “I Have a Dream” might be Dr King’s most famous speech, the address he gave the night before he died is equally stirring, particularly in this call to action:”Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be.

We have an opportunity to make America a better nation. And I want to thank God, once more, for allowing me to be here with you.”Thank you for all you do, to keep Delaware, moving forward.

image_printPrint

Related Topics:  


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.