From the Desk of the President Bishop Garland Hunt – January 2025

Friends,

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister, husband, father, freedom fighter, advocate for the poor, vulnerable and oppressed, Nobel Prize laureate, drum major for justice and a leader in the non-violent civil rights movement.

During his 39 years of life, shortened by an assassination on April 4, 1968, King lifted racial barriers in Birmingham by organizing peaceful sit-ins at churches, libraries, restaurants, marches on government property and boycotts of local businesses—which caught the nation’s attention, delivered a speech that adjusted the course of history—the historic “I Have A Dream” speech—which impacted the hearts and souls of the country. He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington and reshaped the world through peaceful protests, thoughtful speeches, and a tireless focus on fighting injustice. King was arrested thirty times for civil disobedience and other protests—some of them false allegations. And yet, he did not rest. Rather, he pressed on, during which time he penned, “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” which reflected his relentless commitment to civil rights.

Despite tremendous challenges, King’s allegiance to civil rights earned him the respect of the nation—which continues today.

Here are three of King’s quotes that resonate with me—and aligns with God’s word:

• Character. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. Samuel 16:7
• Nonviolence. “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.” The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Psalm 11:5
• Biblical Worldview. “If any earthly institution or custom conflicts with God’s will, it is your Christian duty to oppose it. You must never allow the transitory, evanescent demands of man-made institutions to take precedence over the eternal demands of the Almighty God.” It is better to obey God than man. Acts 5:29

Dr. King lost his life fighting for civil rights. Today, we honor him for his unstoppable courage, divine hope for a better world, incredible love for mankind and never-ending quest for justice. His thoughtful words, often sprinkled with biblical wisdom, remind us to join him in the pursuit for righteousness.

MLK Day, also known as National Day of Service, is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer by giving back to your community. It is a magnificent way to live out King’s precious words: “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

Fighting for Biblical Justice,

Bishop Garland Hunt

President, Douglass Leadership Institute