In Their Own Words: Inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I believe equality in the future will be achieved on the basis of empathy and respect, and by not judging one another based on our backgrounds.

What I admire most about Martin Luther King Jr. is that he refused to stay silent, despite seemingly insurmountable odds — because he was rooted in purpose. I think MLK understood deeply that the purest expression of love is justice. And to truly love your neighbor is to be relentless and unapologetic in your pursuit of justice for them. I think we can all follow MLK’s example by refusing to stay silent in the wake of tension or discomfort, in all arenas of our lives. We can honor his work for justice by doing what we can do, with what we have, in love.

I can follow Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s example and love by applying the golden rule, to treat all people the way I would want to be treated. My dream for equality in 2021 is that no matter what color, race, or creed, we can all love one another. I can help foster a culture of unity, equality, and equity in 2021 by being a good example to my family, peers and coaches on and off the golf course.

I believe equality in the future is achieved by recognizing human dignity in which all people hold value. This means every individual is intrinsically special based on the sole fact they are human.

I believe that equality in the future is achieved by treating everyone from all walks of life with respect, love and kindness.

In order to foster a culture of unity, equality and equity, it requires a recognition that there is a different level of privilege in the various aspects of life. The next step is to provide a welcoming environment to ask questions and listen to those with different backgrounds and experiences.

I follow Dr. King's example and share his love by treating others the way I want to be treated. This is a way of life I've been raised on for as long as I can remember and it is one of the things that made Dr. King such a great man. Living by this standard that he exemplified is how we can be united and foster a culture of equality and equity in 2021 and beyond.

Always treat others how you want to be treated – obviously I think that was something that Dr. King lived by. He was such an influential figure in our society and the effects of all of his accomplishments and what he was trying to achieve still rings true today. So I think just treating others how you would want to be treated no matter their racial or ethnic background, who they believe in, who they love is so important. That’s something my parents raised me up on and something I try and live by every day.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.' I try to share his beliefs and spread love as he did by being kindhearted and caring to all.

I would not have the opportunity I currently have without the efforts of Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a leader that had a phenomenal vision for America. I admire the way he used his voice as an activist because it wasn't necessarily easy. He is at the top of my totem pole, and I wish one day to be as brave and courageous as he was during difficult times.

Fostering a culture of equality can come if we put ourselves in other people’s shoes. Making the effort to really understand another person ‘s perspective and where they are coming from helps creates real relationships. I believe equality in the future is achieved by pushing past simply tolerating each other’s differences, and instead accepting our differences. Understanding that we are not all born into equal circumstances with equal abilities, is critical to acknowledge, in order to create true equal opportunity. The fight for racial equality is an ongoing process that I hope can move beyond diversity and towards racial equity.

We can follow Dr. King's example by showing love everywhere we go, even to people who dislike you for no reason. We can foster a culture of unity, equality and equity in 2021 by not being afraid to speak up or say something when we are in the presence of any form of discrimination.

My dream for equality this year is legislation pushed to dismantle institutionalized racism which can help decrease the gap in wealth, opportunities and living conditions among different races.

I can help foster a culture of unity, equality and equity in 2021 by continuing to educate myself and encouraging others to do the same. We are all responsible for creating the changes we want to see, and that begins with learning.

My dream for equality for the next year is for all people to be given equal opportunities and equitable treatment. We need to cause quick and significant change to protect and empower those that need it most.

I follow Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s example and share his love by fostering environments in which no one ever feels left out based on any intersection of their identity.

The ability to love inspires me to share love by not taking such an impactful and beautiful emotion for granted.

My dream for equality this year is for the color of one’s skin to not be seen at a death sentence or threat, but rather an identifying mark that makes each person authentic in their own powerful way.
I believe equality in the future is achieved by sharing voices, ideas, wisdom, and power throughout communities and by teaching younger generation action that the only difference standing between them and the next person is their ability to empathize and share their souls with one another.

I can help foster culture of unity, equality and equity in 2021 by fighting for what i believe in, people who look like me, fall in the same lines of intersectionality as i do, and to create safe spaces for no one to ever feel like their voice is silenced.

I believe equality in the future is achieved by selflessness, open-mindedness and appreciation for everyone.