In addition to the choral recording of the song, “MLK”, by U2, J-D HS Concert Chorale students were asked to find a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. that they connected with and explain what the quote meant to them. The following are excerpts from some of the student responses.
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
With the near countless number of meaningful quotes and statements made by Dr. King, it’s not surprising that at least one would have some importance to any individual. This one in particular spoke to me in a way that others did not. What caught my eye in this single sentence was the choice presented by Dr. King. The idea that every person can make an active choice to do the right thing, even if it’s not in one’s own best interest to do so. There is clearly a wrong choice that can be made, yet there’s no implication of condemnation or punishment if one decides to follow the wrong path. In that sense, this statement is a true test of selflessness. Will you choose to do good at the cost of your own selfish desires, or will you remain trapped in your own egocentricity?
In recent times it is especially easy for one to forget about the wellbeing of others in order to preserve their own. However, it is in others where our own safety and prosperity lie. Until we can all set aside our greed and hatred, it is impossible to live harmoniously and peacefully, and thus it is impossible to secure the safety and wellbeing of oneself. It is on account of this that we must all choose to “walk in the light”, for the good of others, and for the good of ourselves.
– Owen Fleet, Class of 2022
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
This quote speaks to me because I believe strongly that this world needs love now more than ever. Two negatives cannot and will not ever make a positive in this world and it is sad that there is violence that needs to occur for there to be change. Loving one another doesn’t mean you need to be best friends with them but that you can at least respect each other and be civil with one another. During these times of injustice in not only our country but globally, it is important to be reminded of the concept that we shouldn’t try to fight these battles with hate, but try to solve them by showing compassion towards others and listening to what they have to say.
- Adrianna Giruzzi, Class of 2023
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
I think that all too often when confronted with hatred or ignorance, we try to fight it off with more hate and ignorance. The only goal we accomplish by putting out more hate is just adding fuel to the fire. We have to show that we are the bigger man and that when we have conflict, we will take the high road. The road of moral justness. In using words of hatred against others, you give them what they want – you give them conflict. I believe I need to incorporate this mindset into my day to day life, as there is nothing about anyone and everyone’s lives that wouldn’t be better if they strived to live like this just a little more.
– Emma Velardi, Class of 2022
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
This quote connects with me because I believe in valuing and comprehending differences within different groups. I have a lot of appreciation for others around me who are different from me. I have the ability to look past those differences and work together to understand how different groups or minorities have been oppressed. I feel like this quote can speak to lots of younger people who are struggling to see a difference and are trying to overcome it. This can be difficult for many people, but there is so much still to be learned about having a diverse society. The truth about successfully living as one society is not only overcoming differences, but understanding and acknowledging them as well.
– Nora Gross, Class of 2023
“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving.”
This quote connects to me because it is a message to keep going no matter what. Especially in recent times, it has been hard to keep going when the world is giving you every reason to give up. This quote represents how important it is to find something you are passionate about and to not let anything stop you. If you have a challenge and the first solution doesn’t work, you have to find the next best thing.
– Joanna Meskos, Class of 2023
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
This quote connects to me because of its motivational aspect. With the global pandemic and political struggles waging in the world, it feels like “nothing is worth it in the end” often, and I sometimes doubt my actions. This quote however, serves as a voice saying to trust in my actions, regardless of what the following struggles may be. It also could mean to stick to one plan, one idea, one goal, as it can be the only way to get through the torrent of chaos in the world. When the world burns around us as it does now, it takes wise words and guidance to keep us all motivated and happy.
– Thomas VanderMolen, Class of 2024
“Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.” -Dr. Martin Luther King
In a world of chaos and uncertainty, what many people need is hope. This quote deeply resonates with me because living during such an isolating time, it can become difficult to keep in touch with the irreversible value of time. When it is hard to see the end of an obstacle, growing my faith has deeply helped me keep my feet on a solid foundation…I believe there’s always a lesson to be learned through each trial, and I keep hope that soon I will be able to see more of my loved ones in person.
– Evelyn Tao, Class of 2021
“Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. Indeed, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and enables the man who wields it.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
I was raised to believe that violence was never the way to solve problems. Rather than fighting with fists or going to war with weapons, I believe people should come together and talk about their problems and try to solve them in a nonviolent way. Martin Luther King believed in the same by stating that nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon.
– Pierce Wenner, Class of 2021
“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
This quote connects to me because there are a lot of people I don’t agree with on a variety of topics that I see everyday. Even some of my friends have extremely different views and opinions on the world than I do. Yet, I see past my differences with these people, and find the things we do share in common. If I can’t coexist with people I disagree with, I cannot make progress in society and will live a very lonely and sad life. I don’t have to agree with, or even like, every person I encounter, but it is essential that I find common ground with them in some way. If I make enemies with everyone, how can I be a productive member of society?
– Samson Myshrall, Class of 2021
