The nation on Monday, Jan. 20, will celebrate the life, works and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a nation divided, angry and unsure of what to expect and what we should be doing.

Dr. King was a graduate of Morehouse College, born Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta. On April 4, 1968, he was killed while in Memphis, Tenn., where he went to support African-American sanitation workers who were on strike for better treatment and higher wages.

Dr. King is to be remembered not only for his leadership, but also for his many talents. He is remembered most often for his “I Have A Dream” speech, the Poor People’s Campaign that he led and his protest against the Vietnam War.

As we struggle with the why and what we should be doing, first let’s hear from the Dr. King in his own words:

“Every man lives in two realms: the internal and the external. The internal is that realm of spiritual ends expressed in art, literature, morals and religion. The external is that complex of devices, techniques, mechanisms and instrumentalities by means of which we live.”

“Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

“Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.”

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.

You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.”

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable”... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and pas- sionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

The “beloved community” and the dream are essential to the philosophy and teachings of Dr. King. If we are to advance the dream and usher in the beloved community, more than bacon and eggs are required. Justice must be demanded and leaders held accountable. Government must work for all.

Citizens need to be engaged and responsible by showing up, educated on the issues and keeping score. After all is said and done, we must be the dream.

REV. TYLER C. MILLNER SR. Henry County

The writer is pastor of Morning Star Holy Church in Martinsville and founder of Community Learning Week in Richmond honoring Dr. King, now known as Living the Dream Inc.