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| JAG Newswire > Commentary - Historical Leadership Lessons: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. |
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Historical Leadership Lessons: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Posted 1/16/2012 Updated 2/15/2012
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Commentary by Captain Simone V. Davis
Instructor, Professional Outreach Division, AFLOA/AFJAGS
1/16/2012 - Maxwell AFB, AL -- "I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind...I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life, unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him." These words were uttered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during his acceptance of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize and they epitomize one of his greatest legacies: that a great leader must possess the courage to reject the status quo if it fundamentally contradicts what he or she believes is just.
Dr. King famously dedicated his life to fighting against inequality and promoting fairness and mutual respect. His civil rights campaign evolved during a time when racial segregation was the norm and prejudice was widely accepted. Unwilling to endure to these conditions, Dr. King demanded change. He faced an uphill battle in challenging ideologies which had been ingrained into much of society. In addition, the manner in which he called for action was uncommon. Dr. King preached non-violence while many of his contemporaries argued that aggression was the only way to get their message out.
Although he preached non-violence, he was not passive. He actively participated in all facets of his movement including meetings with elected officials and participating in rallies. He continued to fight for what he believed in despite threats to his safety. For Dr. King, the idea of an integrated America provided ample motivation for his cause. Throughout his life, he saw his dedication pay dividends. As the pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church (located not far from Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL), Dr. King was asked to lead a boycott of the city buses. The boycott lasted 381 days and ended victoriously in 1956 when the Supreme Court declared segregated buses to be unconstitutional.
As we reflect on this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, we should not only celebrate the legacy of a man who spent his life fighting to eradicate inequality, but should also inquire into what we can glean from his leadership and influence. As JAG Corps members, we are all called to be leaders. With that charge, we must be willing to be visionaries and question the status quo when necessary. We cannot be affected by naysayers and must have the courage to stand by our convictions. It is only through our persistence and perseverance that change--for the better--can occur.
As Dr. King explained during a speech given four days before his death, "There comes a time when one must take the position that is neither safe nor political nor popular, but he must do it because his conscience tells him it is right."
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