Facing the Challenge of a New Age
On December 3, 1956, one year after the bus boycott, Dr. King delivered an address to the First Annual Institute on Nonviolence and Social Change. The motto that week was “Freedom and justice through Love.” The address was titled “Facing the Challenge of a New Age.”
We have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of our civilization. There is still a voice crying out in terms that echo across the generations, saying: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you, that you may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven.” This love might well be the salvation of our civilization. This is why I am so impressed with our motto for the week, “Freedom and Justice through Love.” Not through violence; not through hate; no not even through boycotts; but through love. It is true that as we struggle for freedom in America we will have to boycott at times. But we must remember as we boycott that a boycott is not an end within itself; it is merely a means to awaken a sense of shame within the oppressor and challenge his false sense of superiority. But the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men [and women]. (Source: https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/facing-challenge-new-age-address-delivered-first-annual-institute-nonviolence)
May life's journey bring you joy and fulfillment.
May you find harmony with the world and live with kindness towards others.
May your path be marked by nonviolence, humility, and gratitude.
May your actions contribute to a compassionate and just world.