Character and Integrity Made The Man a “King”
A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Written By Coleen Lou

When I was growing up in Long Island, New York, my parents instilled a very important message in me, which to this day is the founding basis of every single decision I make in my life.  Here is the message sent in various ways, utilizing several methods:  “Good character and personal integrity are the two most important character traits you can and should work on attaining.” 

The message was received loud and clear. 

I personally believe it is the single most important contributing factor to what made a man like the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stand out from the crowd and be heard where others were not.  I know most people focus on a variety of other wonderful and important character traits when discussing this great American civil rights leader.  However, I believe that in addition to all the important things he did, he ultimately won the “hearts and minds” of all races because of the fact that his character and integrity were impeccable!  I bring this up because this is the lesson that I think is missing most in our annual celebration of his birthday, which is on Monday, January 16, 2006.  It is also probably the most crucial and needed message for the upcoming generations of this country and the world as a whole. 

With all the negativity in the world, media and entertainment industry, there is a constant battle for parents today to instill positive ethics and messages in their children. The youth today see immorality and lack of education rewarded with fame and money on a daily basis. Personally, I think that Dr. King would be disheartened and downright appalled by a great deal of what he would see today if he were alive.  I think the best way for all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity to honor his memory is to do everything possible to send the message of the need to develop one’s own good character and personal integrity to achieve true success and personal happiness in our lives to children today.

Martin Luther King knew that true freedom would only come with patience, hard work, good character, personal integrity and higher education.  He lived it, breathed it and taught it.  As a child growing up and studying about this  American icon in elementary school, I always had a special association with his “victory ride” on December 21, 1956. That is when he first rode the bus after the Supreme Court decided that segregation on city buses was against the law.  That day holds  personal significance for me and as a result,  I have always had some special reflection of that particular event every December 21,  since I first learned of it.   I have also thought about  the important  messages he exemplified with his life.  He was a man I could believe in then and now. What we need today are more men and women of all races and religions, to be real life role models for the future generations like the great Dr. Martin Luther King! 

For more information about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and The King Center go to www.thekingcenter.org, or for official holiday event information click here.

To view more articles written by Coleen Lou click here.