United Methodists who knew the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. describe how he changed their lives.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was the face of the African-American civil rights movement throughout the 1960s until his assassination on April 4, 1968.

The United Methodist Church recognizes “the right of individuals to dissent when acting under the constraint of conscience and, after having exhausted all legal recourse, to resist or disobey laws that they deem to be unjust or that are discriminately enforced.” Therefore, many United Methodists joined King in his march toward equality, and in his wake, those United Methodist voices continue to advocate for justice for all, as their faith calls them to.

Though King’s death was years or even decades before they were born, his vision has influenced countless young people who reflect and give gratitude for how the struggles of previous generations have benefited them and shaped their lives. People of all ages are grateful for King’s leadership and for those United Methodists who walked with him.

Last Updated on November 4, 2022