Martin Luther King Jr.’s Words with Impact

Martin Luther King Day is a time for people to come together and celebrate the progress that has been made in the struggle for civil rights, as well as to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve racial equality and justice.

We asked Inkhouse employees to choose one of Dr. King’s famous quotes and write about its meaning in today’s world. Here’s what they said: 

“Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.” 

“This quote is a good reminder that everyone is built differently. There are different types of learners and thinkers, and no particular way of learning or thinking is better than the other – even though the United States typically only values a select few. However, we must always keep going and find our genius zones in our world to shine and make a difference!” — Zenetta Zomalt, senior account executive

"Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness."

“We’ve all experienced collective trauma from the global pandemic, record-high inflation and heart-shattering headlines in every news cycle – on top of the personal challenges we face as individuals. It would be so easy to let the darkness and resentment overshadow the good, but I believe that you manifest what takes up the most of your headspace; if you’re focused on being bitter, that will be your reality. It’s okay to feel negative emotions like bitterness, and sometimes it’s justified, but it’s remaining in a state of bitterness that will harm you and others.” — Katie Grant, senior digital content specialist 

“In a sense, you could say we are engaged in the class struggle.” 

“This quote resonates with me because it’s been a bit lost amid Martin Luther King Jr.’s broader legacy that he didn’t rest on his laurels following the landmark Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts of the mid-60s. King’s next endeavor was to fight for the rights of working-class Americans – Black and non-Black alike – slipping through the cracks of these reforms so they could also lead the fulfilling lives of dignity they deserved. Though he was tragically taken from us before his vision could fully materialize, a quick scroll through the latest headlines shows how timely it remains. As the son of a working-class family myself, I mourn for what King could have further achieved, but I find hope in today’s reinvigorated generation fighting for what he believed in and keeping the struggle alive.” — Samuel Veloz, account executive

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 

“These past few years have been difficult for everyone to navigate. So much is happening around us, yet many continue to stay silent and complacent within their own bubbles. This quote inspires me to continue to follow my gut, stand up for what I believe in, and remember to truly live the changes I want to see in the world – despite potential disagreements.” — Mackenzie Colcord, senior account executive

Happy MLK Day 2023!