Inspired by a fallen leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Ever since we launched our MLK Web site in January 1996, it has included a Guestbook for visitors from around the region — and the world — to post their thoughts. Over the years we've retained many of those comments, organized by the year in which they were posted. Below is a sampling of the nearly 700 entries that you'll find online. A tiny handful question King's actions or the value of a holiday; the vast majority talk about how his values intersect with their lives.

2006

As an associate principal in a predominately white suburban high school, I do not consider myself a Black Associate Principal. I am an administrator who happens to be black. I firmly believe that the struggle and ultimate sacrifice of Dr. King was instrumental in helping me and countless others drop the labels. ... Some may think we should no longer celebrate Dr. King's birthday. Really? We don't have to look farther than the last generation to see the vast differences one man has forged. ... If Dr. King was alive today, he would be proud of where we are, but more proud of those who have taken advantage of his lifelong commitment. However, he would also be actively involved in correcting injustices and perfecting his dream, because unfortunately, we still are not there yet.

— Lloyd, Redmond

There is so much beauty and power on these pages. Every visitor will change, and every heart will open to become more of his vision.

— Mercedes, Seattle

2005

I live in Australia and I am aboriginal. When I read Dr. King's timeline I was stunned at how similar discrimination was between blacks and whites. Aboriginal children were taken from their families and forced to be white, aboriginal people were not given voting rights until 1967, and their sacred lands were taken from them. I didn't know it was this harsh in America. King had so much strength. I'm proud that racism in both of our countries is slowly diminishing.

— Talila, St. Scholasticas College, Sydney, Australia

Dr. King was not perfect, yet look at what he accomplished. It wasn't just so "coloreds" could be treated like the American citizens they were born. It was so that all Americans could be decent human beings, speak to whomever they wanted, live wherever they wanted, visit whatever town they wanted — truly be free (this includes whites). All white people were and are not racist. Most PEOPLE are rude and selfish — it has nothing to do with race.

I won't give up on race relations. I won't give up on America. I won't give up on the present. I won't give up on the future. Neither should any of us. I will continue to make it my aim to live peaceably with all people and mind my own business.

— Coletha, Seattle

In my community there are still people who are ignorant and stupid, but as far as my friends, my family and I go we are united and together as one. Yes, I have to take the day off at school to remember our King. And no, I will not waste the day to sleep in or rest at home. I will be going out to the community and seeing what impact King had on everybody.

— Marcianna, Todd Beamer High School, Federal Way

2003

My favorite sermon of Dr. King's was "Midnight," where he spoke about the morality and war issues of the day in the 1960s. I recently heard it again, and it was so strange. It seemed he was talking about the very things that are going on right now!

I was only 4 when he was assassinated. I remember my grandma was at the grocery store and we heard it on the radio. She jumped out of the car screaming and crying, "Oh my Lord, they've killed him!" That night we went to church and our pastor prayed and talked to all of us kids about what happened. He encouraged us to never give up and to keep Dr. King's dreams and hopes alive.

I knew who he was then, and I wish he was here now. He was a wonderful man, and he gave his life to make our lives better.

— Ro'Chelle, Houston, Texas

2002

I know that Dr. King had a great impact on America, along with the rest of the world, back in those days. Somehow today it seems that the impact was small because the world is acting up, because war is all over the world — nations acting like they don't want to live with each other, all they want to do is harm each other instead of help each other. ...

As a black man today, a lot of things have changed in the last 30 years, but a lot more needs to be done.

— Willie, Bristow, Va.

Today is a day when we should as a nation reflect upon all the advancements we have made culturally, socially and economically, and see that we still have a long way to go. In the '50s when my parents married, they did so in violation of many laws that prohibited interracial marriages....

Today, we still struggle with that issue in another form: the right for gays and lesbians to form legally sanctioned family units with the rights and responsibilities that heterosexuals have. As a person of color and a gay man, I see no distinction between when gay people are discriminated against or have their civil rights violated and when a black, Jewish or Muslim person is persecuted.

— George, Olalla, Kitsap County

As I sit here at my desk, tears come to my eyes. Not all bad tears, but tears of frustration, and tears for the dedication that my people had. It kills me that we cannot be the same way anymore. Where is our race going; what are we doing?

I listened to his speeches, and a chill went through my body. I heard the voice of an angel, I heard the voice of God. You are missed and loved, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I love you. Thank you for everything you did.

— Aisha, Naperville, Ill.

2001

I used to watch MLK on TV and admired him. I watched and cried while blacks and whites held hands together singing "We Shall Overcome" after his death. I can only think of one other man that I've admired more, and that is Jesus Christ.

I am a white woman, not that it should matter, but I think it's important to know that many whites hated the pain inflicted by our race against blacks for no other reason than the fact that they weren't white. ...

When we as a people lost Martin Luther King Jr., we lost a part of the human race that made it good and right. Sad, that we have to look so hard now to find the same.

— Francine, Tacoma

1998

Martin was more than a mere historical figure. He is the past, present, and future of this country. His words were like those of scripture, for us to engrave within us, and live accordingly. He drew the map. We must follow.

— Heather Sasse, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah

1996

I know that the existence of Martin Luther King Jr. and his dream have provided a grounding rod for all the challenges I have met in raising my African-American family. His dream has helped my children with the hope and joy of humanity.

— Mrs. Harris, Marysville

Martin Luther King Jr. was a man to be admired. He showed us that we, as people, need to stick together. Throughout history people have been discriminated against, and he started a movement that has shown people not to judge, but to love. He had a dream that needs to be carried on, and our generation should be the one to do it. ...

— Bess Dwyer, Grade 10, Mountlake Terrace High School