Guestbook Archive: 2001

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We are group of students from Holland who went on a trip to Atlanta. This was on the initiative of Giving Back, a non-profit organization that offered us the chance to learn more about the struggle of the black people in America. We were impressed that someone in America could have been inspired by someone in India. We have learned that you can be inspired by everyone everywhere. Martin Luther King as well as Nelson Mandela have been a real inspiration to the world. We hope that we will be able to bring about small changes as well in other peoples lives.

Hatice, Derya, Merel, Samantha, Giano and Moestafa

We came all the way from Holland to Atlanta to be educated in civil rights. One goal of this trip was to visit the MLK center. We have learned a lot about the civil rights movement, the struggle of black people and their victory. One thing that we have learned is that one person CAN make a difference. This has inspired us to try to make a better world for ourselves, TOGETHER.

Giving Back Foundation and students

MLK was a great man and he has inspired us very much. What he did for the civil rights in America was the most precious thing he did for humanity. We learned much about his ways of non-violence and we will try to spread his ways in our community.

As King said: "Injustice anywhere is a threat for justice everywhere."

Lots of love, hugs and kisses from Holland, Amsterdam.

Merinda, Bonita, Yvonne, Natasha and Joey

Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. May we continue your legacy and strive for equality, love and respect among all human beings.

J. Bruell, Vermont

I feel that his message impacted my life personally, but unfortunately so many of us have forgotten the cause and the meaning of his life! I sometimes become so frustrated that people are afraid or not courageous enough to stand up for their rights, and are always blaming someone else for their tribulations! Just believe!

Alicia

Martin Luther King Jr. is a great influence on young kids while they are growing up. I could learn about Martin Luther King Jr. all year round and I think he is a really great person for what he did. I think he is the nicest person in the world.

Ross, LaCrescent, Minnesota

I used to watch MLK on TV and admired him. I watched and cried while blacks and whites held hands together singing "We Shall Overcome" after his death. I can only think of one other man that I've admired more and that is Jesus Christ. I am a white woman, not that should matter, but I think it's important to know that many whites hated the pain inflicted by our race against blacks for no other reason than the fact that they weren't white. I have never wanted to be black, but have been ashamed of being white for that reason. I have never understood prejudice and thank God for that. When we as a people lost Martin Luther King Jr., we lost a part of the human race that made it good and right. Sad, that we have to look so hard now to find the same.

Francine, Tacoma, Washington

Martin Luther King Jr. was a great man. He really cared about people.

Carrie, Westchester Elementary

I think that Martin Luther King Jr. was a great person that helped a lot of people around the world. I just know that I admire him so much. I will remember him for the rest of my life.

Jasmin, Massachusetts

Corning, New York is a small city. We do not have many blacks and those whom I know or know of are very highly regarded. But, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a remarkable man who was taken from life too soon. His accomplishments are many.

M.T., New York

I am 17, about to be 18. I would just like to say how much I wish Dr. King were here to inspire change the way he did when he was with us.

Ariel, Stone Mountain, Georgia

We are a home schooling family of five children. That has been such a blessing for our family. I am very thankful for the work that Martin Luther King Jr. did for our children and the sacrifice he made in his life to reach out to others.

Lorine, Ward Christian Academy
Louisiana

If Martin Luther King Jr. could only be here today, think of the great achievements he would have now. Not only the "March on Washington," but maybe people in this world wouldn't have so much hate for one another and race wouldn't matter to any one person. Maybe our world could be perfect, but then again...that would not just be up to him...but us too.

Heather, Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Illinois

Peace and blessings. In my most humble opinion, I feel that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great man. All Americans should be grateful that he passed through our midst. Dr. King was able to convince me (a Black Panther sympathizer) to register to vote. The only differences between the state of New Jersey and the state of Mississippi (in 1967) were the names and distance. Hopefully in the 21st century we will be able to revitalize his vision (dream) and have America live up to its potential. I heard it said somewhere that we can live together as brothers or we can perish together as fools. I do believe the choice is ours.

Sam, New Jersey

I don't feel that I have any right to comment on a man as wonderful and wise as Mr. King. I do feel that the social relations between all different tribes of humans are decaying. This makes me yearn for a voice as honest and strong as Martin Luther King Jr.'s was, and still is.

John, Eastern Illinois University

My name is Markland and I'm 7 years old. Dr King knew what peace was; he was a nice man and did many things for me. We should all get along. Thank you.

Markland, Garden Christian School
California

Dr. King, thank you. Thank you for loving me before I was born; for loving me although I am white and my ancestors persecuted you and your ancestors. Thank you for being willing to die for that love and for teaching me so many of the lessons my own parents did not, the most important of which is that no one of us is here for ourselves alone, but for the privilege of giving back to this world those gifts that we have been given. Whenever I feel sorry for myself, whenever I begin to think that life is too hard and no one cares anyway, I think of you and all that you were willing to give for what you knew was right. I am reminded when I consider your life that no sacrifice I can make will ever come close to the one you made for all of human kind and my courage to go on is renewed. I will not forget your legacy of love. I will pass that legacy on to my students and my own children. God bless you, Dr. King.

Melissa, Portland State University

Tonight I have to facilitate a group of juvenile offenders on the topic of anger management. I will be proud to share the story of how Dr. King used the anger of the ignorant to bring about a change for the masses and that channeling that passion will spread God's message of love.

Kamisha

I think Mr. King was a great influence and changed how the world should view each other.

Laura, Woodstown High School

I feel that Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy still lives on, but is not in full effect yet. We still have a lot to learn as a variety of people. I feel that his dream will forever live through generation, to generation. So my kids can know the real meaning of freedom! We shall overcome!

Lauren, Redan High School
Georgia

I see the 21st century not bringing much in the way of change. Progress is slow. Granted I will be the first to admit that a change for the good has occurred, but we have got so far to go. It's evident to me when as I visited the school my daughter used to attend (located in a neighborhood considered "well to do" and the one she attended after we moved (less than 5 miles from the other school), that times, people and attitudes have not changed much. Everything is just done differently, with the same results, setting back and keeping back those who are supposed to be equal. What was the fight for? I think some folks need reminding.

Treena, Craven Community College, North Carolina

For the longest time, I've hated MLK for what I thought he did to us, which was throwing away societal self-determination for us in exchange for bread crumbs from "The Man." It was later when I just happen to read a copy of his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" that really hit home with me. He wasn't a perfect man (he did commit adultery, a move that could have cut the Civil Rights Movement's legs out from under us), but he was one of the few men that held to Christian beliefs that very few others could. What was especially ironic was not so much his spirituality, but his strategy. Everything he and Cesar Chavez ever knew about non-violent resistance came from his observations of Mahatma Gandhi. But still, to face such hatred of endemic proportions is commendable. From having read that letter, I realized that MLK wasn't perfect, but he wasn't weak. Any man that's willing to suffer harm to not only himself, but possibly to his own family (remember the four girls killed in the church bomb?), and still push on is a person of commendable, and TRULY Christian character, a label that I do not lightly just append to just anybody.

C. Enos, Brookhaven Community College/University of North Texas

I believe that Dr. King had a great impact that is still felt today. Here in Stillwater, Okla., home of Oklahoma State University, diversity is celebrated and respected by most. This is something Dr. King felt strongly about. His vision for freedom and unity was for everyone, black, white, yellow and red. He was a true visionary, and sadly, there has not been anyone since who has made such a lasting impact or has led our nation in the area of race relations.

Andy, Oklahoma State University

It was not fair for black people to be treated differently from white people. They were not even treated like people and had no rights and I think that was not fair! I'm glad Dr. King fought to change this.

Karalynn, Thorner Elementary

I enjoyed everything about Dr. King. I am using some of the information in my classes. Our babies need to know from whence they came. We need to start being the proud black people that God made us. I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you Dr. King, through the grace of God, for making this possible.

Ethel

Let us not forget that the great MLK Jr. was a devoted follower and believer of our Lord Jesus Christ. God certainly accomplished many great things through this earthen vessel. The fact that generations to come will celebrate this day speaks of his greatness.

Michael

Lord knows that I hope and pray that America lends a peaceful ear and a undiscriminatory eye on all of her people. We are not there yet, but we have come a long way.

Monica, Riverview Gardens Central Middle School

I am proud to be black, as well as a professional. Dr. King stood up for my right that I would be able to obtain the education that I possess today. My family and friends continue to honor him in and out of my classroom. The dream will live on. What God has ordered, man cannot change.

Yulanda, Florida

What a powerful speaker. To listen to his passionate words is so inspiring. We are lucky that he was put on this earth at all, but such a tragic loss that he was taken before he could finish crafting his vision.

Kevin, Michigan

I think Martin Luther King was the best thing to happen in the 1900s. It was a shame that someone decided to end his life; he was a great asset to the world and I hate that I did not have a chance to meet this great man!

LaTia, Redford High School

I live in a diverse community composed of many races and cultures. I work in a community-based mental health program in the inner city of Buffalo, N.Y. I have seen for many years the effects of racism on both the communities I live and work in. The situation seems to be improving. . . slowly, but steadily. The impetus for change seems to be coming from within the community now. I think this has made a tremendous difference. There has been the realization that nobody is going to do it "for" the folks who live and work in our community. The work is coming from within which has led to the formation of positive changes structured for the people by the people. The spirit of Dr. King lives on everyday through me and through those I serve. Thank you.

Donna

I am teaching English in Busan, Korea. It was my pleasure to share information about Martin Luther King Jr. with the other English teachers here. I am proud as an American, to honor the great legacy of justice created by Dr. King.

Mary, Oe Dae Language Institute, Korea

I came across your site today ... after thinking that there must be a site that gives much information on Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of celebrating what he stood for on his national day. I live in Canada but was residing in England and remember very vividly the day of MLK's assassination. It was the same day my brother left for N.Y. escorting my sister-in-law and her two small children. I remember reading about the marches, etc. and fearing for their lives. Thank God that even though we all have some ways to go in being tolerant of each other...regardless of skin color, dialects, etc., we have come a far way...and of course, a lot of the thanks goes to Dr. King. Again, I appreciate this site and have directed it to many people today.

Barbara, Ontario, Canada

The impact Martin Luther King Jr. had in the Detroit community can be seen in our schools, businesses and neighborhoods. As a predominately African-American city, our citizens have had major positions and influence that have empowered us in many ways. However, the dream has not been quite realized in our public schools. I am a believer that education is truly the key to success in our society, and by success I mean each individual can reach their full potential and empower themselves through education. Unfortunately, public education has a long way to go in Detroit in order to realize the true meaning of King's dream. New schools are the crux of what Detroit needs in order to provide the kind of environment that will spark change throughout the system. Some schools are still burning coal as a source of heat, and countless others are crumbling with hazardous materials. Our children should be educated in the best facilities that will likely enable them and the entire Detroit Public School system to raise their heads high and take pride in education.

Mrs. Kumasi-Johnson, Teacher Southeastern High school of Technology, Michigan

Some of my students had tears in their eyes when they heard the clips from Dr. King's historical speeches. Thank you for taking the time to develop and post this informative page.

Mrs. Melissa Wall, 3rd Grade Teacher - Carter Elementary School, Tennessee

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put black and white together. Most of us are friends. It was wrong for black people to walk to school. Now we all can use the same water fountains, benches and restaurants. We are all very happy and we hope you are too.

Ian, Chris & Surrae, Jeannette McKee Elementary, Pennsylvania

I believe that Martin Luther King Jr. would have had a great impact on our world. I also feel he would have made a very good president. I believed in what he said and if only our youth today would have really heard him, there wouldn't be the problems that there are today.

Lila

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of my heroes. I was a teen out here on Long Island, New York, when he was speaking and marching. I would listen to him and knew in my heart ALL he said was true and for all people. I grew up and fought for the rights of ALL people and still do. Thank you, Dr. King. I have grown up now, but taught my children to stand up for everyone's rights and help fight for them. Now, my grandchildren are being taught the same. ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL and I will tell ALL people to dream the dream! I will never forget Dr. King's speech & still tear up each time I hear it or see it. I hope we ALL are doing Dr. King's dream and he is saying YES...keep on...

Arlene

I thank you for letting me read about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life because I have being wondering how far he had gotten us. And how far behind we would have been if he did not help us on our fight to freedom. So I would like to thank Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.!

Sierra, Rosemore Junior High, Ohio

Martin Luther King Jr. is my hero. I love him with all my heart, even though I've never met him. I'm a 16-year-old white female that is deeply indebted to Martin Luther King Jr. The world is a greater place because he was in it! Racism was huge then, less now, and hopefully wiped out in the future! Teach your kids from a young age to love and respect others because that is where it begins! Thanks!

Jessica, Canada

I believe that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the greatest, most remarkable man that has ever lived. He did so much for others and helped them get the courage that they needed to stand up for their rights. I wish I was alive when he was just to shake his hand or hear him give one of his speeches that deep down inside touches us all. Mr. King should still be here with us today, he deserves to be but now all he can do is look down and smile at us from the heavens above. Even though there is still racism upon us today I know that he would be proud of the steps we have taken to get this far. I hope that one day we will all truly love each other for who we are. Mr. King, I hope that one day I will see you in heaven, and smile down with you. When this day comes I can truly say my life is complete.

Austin, Ridgeview High School

Much love goes out to the man himself, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to his family. He was an inspiration to millions and is still to this day inspires people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. He will never be forgotten!

Jeffrey, Delaware Technical & Community College

I think Dr. King had a great impact on not only blacks but America. Even though he was dead before I was born, his dream lived on. And being a Christian, I can truly say that I believe Dr. King was a man of God. He tried to will the people to live according to God's word and his principles. I do believe that God wants all of us to be treated fairly. He has no preference if we're black or white and he is the king of kings. So what gives man a right to be prejudiced? Just like Dr. King preached, we ALL belong to God.

Nichole, Triton College

Did you know that the state of Alabama combines this holiday to include Robert E. Lee? I believe it's the only southern state that does so. This appalls me, having lived 35 years of my life in Alabama; I see this as part of their continued open bigotry.

Melody

I believe he is a great man. We should have more people less shallow and more humble. This is the opinion of an 8-year-old girl just learning and comparing his views against all of the views of the people in power today.

Alexus, New York

What do you think was the impact of Martin Luther King Jr. in your community? Well, it is Martin Luther King Jr. day and I am at work ... I think this speaks volumes that business goes on as usual and a man who essentially changed the way America thought about race is - at my place of work at least - ignored. What do you think the 21st century will be like? To reach a more enlightened state, I think we need fewer "leaders" like John Aschcroft who will hopefully be shown the door at his hearing. On a positive note, I think the human race is more accepting as a whole than we were a century ago. Thanks for this opportunity! Happy birthday, MLK!

David

Martin Luther King Jr. made people love one another no matter what skin color. Black and whites are created equal no matter what color.

Kayla & Randi, Menagha Elementary School

Martin Luther King Jr. was a strong man. He fought for people's rights and believed that every man should be equal. His strong voice was heard around the world with his famous speech, "I have a dream." We admire him because he tried to bring peace and encouraged people to work together as one.

Mrs. Sanchez' 3rd Grade Class, Lyford Elementary School, Texas

I am sorry. I know that will never be enough but it is all I have. My heart breaks when I realize all the pain I have caused African Americans. I apologize for my parents' sins, my grandparents' sins and once again for my own. I also have a dream and it is for my son to be able to walk the streets of America with his uncle, who is black, and it not to be a strange sight to see. I dream of a day when people greet each other with a smile and not fear. I see the churches in our communities reaching out to all people and fathers boldly breaking down racial barriers and leading their families in worship with people of all races. I see children laughing and playing and learning from each other. Finally, I see one man who believed he could make a difference and did and hope that I will have the courage to be half the man that he was. I am sorry.

Jack

I have a thought...what if the whites were the slaves (and they came from Africa) and the blacks were the owners of the whites (and they came from France and England). What if that happened, what would it be like today? What if...

Teresa

It is harder to stop hating than it is to start 450 years of pure fear. Hate can't be stopped by just one man; it has to be a group effort of all the countries and races of this world. Someday we will all see each other as equals maybe not in my lifetime but in my children's. I still see segregation everywhere like in Graceland, Elvis's hometown, there are almost no white people and the whole town is populated by black people. Someday the racial barriers man has created will crumble. But I don't think people are accepting enough for that yet.

Ryan, Pueblo Technical Academy

I feel very sorry for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family because he was killed by a man who I don't like now. I hope that the assassin has been punished fully. I think Dr. King was a brave and good man.

Alex, British School of Washington

We still have a long way to go before Dr. King's dream is a reality. The key is education. When will "African-American" history be treated as what it is - "American History" and given appropriate consideration in school curricula across the country? How can our children learn respect until they know the facts?

Carole Ann

I attended Morehouse College from 1963-1965, and was a member of the Morehouse College Glee Club. During that time period, when Dr. King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, our Glee Club sang at a reception given in his honor, and I was part of the Glee Club that sang. I have a photograph (taken by me) of that reception, when Dr. King was speaking, although I'm not sure where the photograph is right now. I felt proud to be a part of this celebration.

Kenneth

I intend to heed Martin Luther King Jr.'s call to join in a "beloved community" that stands in opposition to race hatred, war and poverty. The agenda of the majority of political leaders in U.S. Congress and presidency lacks moral authority. We citizens must lead non-violently to undo racism and the greed that fuels the military-industrial complex and poverty locally and globally.

Heather

Being a contemporary of Dr. King's, I admired him immensely during his lifetime and since that time have seen the impact of his life upon America and the world. While his work is not yet finished, it is because of his efforts that we are as civil as we are today. I sense the tragedy in his death at so young an age and having been widowed myself (with 2 small children) at age 29, I can somewhat understand what Coretta has faced on a personal level. As an American, and more specifically a retired Caucasian school teacher, I am eternally grateful for what Dr. King has meant to us all. Perhaps he has impacted America as no one else in our history.

Eva

I think Martin Luther King Jr. was a very good man. Though I never really new him I think I would have wanted freedom for every man and woman too. I also think it was very mean how the black people were treated. I think Martin Luther King Jr. would still want freedom. (I am free at last.)

Sarah, Bloomfield Elementary

The impact Dr. King had on my community when I was a child was enormous! He allowed our entire community to take a look at ourselves as one people with a common cause ... stop the oppression! Love yourselves and your neighbors ... black, white, yellow, etc... . It gave us a sense of dignity and truly spoke for those who had no voice, and for those who did, he said the right words. He was a great human being. I miss him ...

Aver

We certainly have come a long way in race relations in my lifetime, but we still have a long way to go! Unfortunately, the same democracy that ensures the changes that have occurred and are occurring, also allows for the perpetuation of hate kept alive in various radical hate groups and factions. Additionally, the practice of prejudice is still prevalent in our society. It's sad that all people can't embrace the ideals put forth by Martin Luther King Jr. We were blessed for having had him and as we edge towards the realization of his "dream," we should all take this day to silently acknowledge the power and awesomeness of his words, and the unselflessness of his total sacrifice. He was truly a great man and is sorely missed!

Raymond

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a good man, his death was a case of racism, so what if he was black - blacks are people too. What if it was the other way around, blacks used whites as slaves, then didn't give them their rights, just because of their skin color. I don't think one white would've enjoyed that, so why couldn't they see that the black society didn't either? Except it was a reality for them. Dr. King tried to show this point to the whites of America, that blacks deserved every right the whites had.

Max, Kenmore Middle School

Well, in my class my teacher believes that Martin Luther King Jr. is a great man. We all took on the idea of looking up King's history. We found that he is not only a great man that did great things, the man that killed him was probably racist and insecure. We believe that he did not need to die. A great man never dies in anyone's eyes. To us, his wonderful and joyful memory will live on forever in anyone and everyone's eyes. With love...Class of 8-10 at St. Patrick's Intermediate School in Canada.

Deidra, St. Patrick's Intermediate School, Canada

It is a shame that racism still goes on in this country. Martin Luther King may not have impacted my life or my city, but he was, and still is, one of the few smart men in this nation. He spoke the truth, he inspired us, but what he said was only common sense. He had a dream and I hope one day it comes true.

Monika, Central Middle School

He was clearly sent from above. Remember what life was like back in the 1960s when he made "the speech." I have listened to the speech three times today and it still holds true. Why all the hatred? I'll never understand it. MLK Jr. is my hero.

James, Queens College, North Carolina

Today was the first time I took part in the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration ceremonies at the Empire State Convention Center in New York. What a wonderful, glorious message on a damp, cloudy day! It was beyond my expectations and left me profoundly moved. I came away with new hope and restored faith and the believe that if we don't keep the dream alive, what legacy are we to leave behind for our children?

Stacey

Very nice Web site! And very informative! We are home schoolers and I teach my children about the dreams of many. Some of the issues of MLK, sadly, still seem to exist in today's society. I've seen discrimination with so many races, including whites. It's ridiculous. I see my job as making sure my children grow up in non-discriminatory terms, and do not judge people - for any reason! Even children are discriminated against in our school systems. If they are not "liked" or "don't fit in" - they are essentially being discriminated against for who they are. Thus is our reason for homes chooling. It is sad as children don't understand how grown adults can do this, when the children themselves were brought up to be respectful to all people, and in return, did not receive it from a local school district. Sad sign of the times ... and the government agencies of our nation wonder what has happened to generations x & y!

Dawn, HomeBus Homeschool

I think that Martin Luther King Jr. made the U.S.A. a better place, because he stood up to the people and said he had a dream that everybody should be equal.

Jessica, Taylor Elementary School

I believe that Dr. King's message was one of hope and belief in the greater good of society. I hope that the world finds other leaders, to give back what hatred and prejudice have taken away.

Steven, College of Charleston

Martin Luther King Jr. belongs to those men who believe in their cause and entirely devote themselves to it. He believed that all men were born free and equal. So, they must enjoy all the rights in the community where they live. He fought all kinds of racism and did not agree with those who like to base everything on the color of their skin. He has been assassinated because some people were not willing to hear this truth. However, by dying, King contributes to move forward the cause of emancipation of black American people. He looked so much like Toussaint Louverture, another black leader who opened the way of to freedom for the slaves of St. Domingue 200 years ago. The best way for the present generation to glorify the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. consists of working to keep intact our identity as black people by increasing and developing our intellectual potency.

Antony, New York

Martin Luther inspired me a lot. Racism is awful. I'm glad it came to some what of a end. I love you Martin!

Toni

This site helped me find my inner Martin Luther King Jr. I feel very peaceful.

Taina, New York City High School

Hi, I like this site sooo much. I think it is very nice, and today is the perfect day to look at these wonderful pictures and listen to Martin Luther King Jr.'s great speeches! Thank you for creating a site in his honor.

Jenny

Martin Luther King Jr. was probably the greatest man alive. He helped blacks have the freedom that they always should've had. And I hope his assassin burns in torment for what he has done. This year Martin Luther King Jr. would be 72 years old if it wasn't for the killer. Happy birthday, Martin Luther King Jr.!

L-Greta

I go to a high school in Vermont, a state that does not celebrate MLK day. I have tried for years to get them to recognize this day, but they never have. They offer pathetic reasons like, "There aren't enough black people in our school," or "You guys just had a day off last week." It is sad, but this makes me realize that my school is run by people who still believe that blacks are "different" than whites. I am white, and MLK day is very important to me. I walked out of school today, as a civil protest to their lack of celebration. I am currently working on a speech that I plan to present to my entire school, concerning the relevance of this day. Thank you.

Dan