Photo Gallery | Famous MLK quotes

Submitted by Melynda Sides, Digital Content Producer

Monday, January 16th, 2012, 6:41pm

"Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty."

Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail

"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Martin Luther King, Jr. in his "Strength to Love" speech

"I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that 'an unjust law is no law at all.'"

Martin Luther King, Jr. in "Letters from a Birmingham Jail"

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

"At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love."

Martin Luther King, Jr. in "Stride Toward Freedom"

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

Martin Luther King, Jr. in "I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World"

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

He is a man remembered as much for his eloquence of speech as he is for his determination to bring about change in a segregated nation. The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., compiled from his passionate speeches, visionary essays and moving letters, helped shape the Civil Rights Movement and continue to echo in the cries for justice and equality today. Here are a few of his famous quotes, taken from various writings and speeches.