Martin Luther King's impact on Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Monique Green, Airman 1st Class Mia George
  • 366th Fighter Wing
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

Even through a quote, the kind of man Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was can be seen. Despite all opposition, he was able to keep moving forward. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 to a two month campaign in Birmingham of 1963, followed by the March on Washington where the “I Have a Dream” speech took place, Dr. King was not shaken. Inspired by William Cullen Bryant, Gandhi, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and many others, he not only organized those historic events, but also led them.

Without rank or a position of status, Dr. King possessed and provided a voice that empowered many Afro-American communities that also affected America as a whole. His voice and passion tore down the walls of unethical injunctions and began to soften hearts and provoke change. Because of the hope, dedication, courage, commitment, and love Dr. King expressed, the minds of those who learned to hate began to transform. His tenacious feats act as a reminder that we are all leaders. Everyone has the ability to overcome obstacles, whether big or small, and inspire those that surround us.

Everyone has a purpose. At a certain point, it’s necessary to do more than just ‘live’. Life has the ability to take us by surprise. At moments like that, we should take time to reflect. “Am I invoking a change?” In any role we hold, it is our responsibility to be courageous and pave the way for future generations. Dr. King didn’t wait for the perfect moment. Not only did he seize his opportunities, but he created his own. At one of the most difficult times in history, Dr. King pursued his passions and followed the call on his life. Following those that inspired and mentored him, Dr. King also invested his knowledge and truth into his generation, those before, and those after.

From a perspective through the eyes of an American Airman, The efforts of Dr. King not only paved the way for Black Americans but incorporated diversity for each and every one as a whole. His efforts towards equal civil rights set a standard in which any person can line every aspect of their lives through. As American Airmen we all work together though a multitude of diverse ideas, strengths and talents that we individually contribute to complete the mission every day. Despite our differences we all have been struck with the thunderbolts of lightning that have infused us with the power of our core values, the same core values that could easily be seen within the actions and efforts of Dr. King.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Love is the solution for any problem involving hate, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led by example. Hate is too great a burden to bear. In each moment of our lives, there are countless examples of the impact of Dr. King. Those examples are a reinforcement. Although fear will always exist and the doubt of our purpose will taunt us, change is possible. Although we have come so far, we still have long way to go. The mountains that stand in front of us are capable of being climbed. Curve balls will be thrown our way. Perseverance and strength are vital. No matter what we may face, there is a light at the end of the tunnel where the success of our courage, strength, actions, dreams, and love reside.