Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Many of us see him only in oversimplified terms of race:  as an eloquent, segregation-era “voice of his people.” Yet, his words resound as moral philosophy, informed by his considerable knowledge of the writings and thought of the great philosophers.

Dr. King constantly reminded us of interconnectedness. He defined love as the binding power that holds the universe together “tying us in a single garment of destiny…in an inescapable network of mutuality.”  Each of us, he emphasized, has the power to change ourselves and the world, and reminded us to consider how one confronts social evil without creating further evil, division and enmity.

Despite the pernicious effect of segregation, he staunchly advocated love and nonviolence.  The purpose of the boycotts, he said, was “reconciliation…redemption, the creation of the beloved community.” He warned that “our loyalties must transcend our race, tribe, class, and nation.” He believed that the cornerstone for the beloved community was love and justice; and the struggle to resolve conflicts, rather than the absence of conflict, was the fertile ground on which to build it. He believed that, although laws could promote desegregation and eliminate discrimination in education, employment and housing, only a change in attitude created by love would create a society based on respect and justice.

As Coretta Scott King stated, “The beloved community is not a place, but a state of heart and mind, a spirit of hope and goodwill that transcends all boundaries and barriers and embraces all creation.”
May we together build the beloved community, realize our belonging, and feel embraced by its resounding good will.