Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was killed 40 years ago today.

40 years ago today, the world lost a civil rights leader who continues to inspire activists across the world to this day. When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was shot in Memphis, Tennessee, a family lost a father and husband, and a movement lost its most recognizable leader. But the movement toward civil rights and racial equality didn't lose its momentum nor lose sight of its goals. Some of Dr. King's dreams remain unrealized, but I imagine that he'd smile to see a black man with a good chance of attaining the presidency this November.

On this 40th anniversary of the assassination of a leader, I'd like to share some of his quotes that inspire me:

"It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can stop him from lynching me, and I think that's pretty important."

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

"I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live."

Martin Luther King Jr. discovered something he would die for, and, tragically, he did so. We'll miss you, Dr. King.

Two links to share:

Robert Kennedy's remarks on the night of Dr. King's assassination

Video about Dr. King's life and death