The week of January 19, we solemnly honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and took time to look again at his teachings for guidance, particularly on how to protect our democracy during this critical moment in our country’s history. Dr. King understood intersectionality and taught how to peacefully fight for justice, peace, and our democratic rights.
Here are some inspirational quotes from Dr. King that give us courage as we work to advance policies and actions that protect human and planetary health from the threats of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, the entire nuclear cycle, militarism, environmental degradation, climate change, and social injustice—while safeguarding and strengthening the democratic rights crucial to achieve these protections.
Nuclear Abolition
“I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of thermonuclear destruction.”
Environmental, Social, and Racial Injustice
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
“It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Safeguarding and Protecting Democracy
“Democracy is not a state; it is an act, and each generation must do its part.”
This is a good time in our history to reread Dr. King’s Definition of Nonviolence.
From The King Center website: “Nonviolence is a love-centered way of thinking, speaking, acting, and engaging that leads to personal, cultural and societal transformation.”
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The Fundamental Philosophy of Nonviolence and the Six Steps to Nonviolent Social Change
An excellent summary of the state of our democracy at this moment:
American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s inauguration, experts say
