Today we honor Martin Luther King Jr., one of the greatest civil rights leaders of our time. Here in the United States and abroad, individuals remember the values he promoted and the work he did to advance the civil rights movement. One of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most inspiring attributes was his skill in leadership. Here are five inspirational quotes about leadership from influential leaders to keep in mind today and going forward.
Dr. King’s speeches and leadership during the civil rights movement were guided by the value represented in this quote, to always do what is right, not just when it is convenient or easy.
Helen Keller, an author, political activist, and lecturer, campaigned for social and civil rights and was a prolific leader in her vision for equality. As all successful leaders know, while one person can speak his or her mind, it takes many people working together to make great things happen.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, led the country through the Civil War, abolished slavery, and modernized the economy. There’s no questioning Lincoln’s outstanding leadership, which was strongly tied to his values and belief in accountability.
Mahatma Gandhi has inspired nonviolent civil disobedience around the world by his example, and one of those who was moved by Gandhi’s peaceful form of protest was Martin Luther King Jr. Gandhi’s wisdom encourages us to act on our ideas and beliefs, because we won't achieve anything if we don’t begin.
Malala Yousafzai, a 16 year old Pakistani student, is an education and women’s rights activist. After a failed assassination attempt by the Taliban, international attention was drawn to her and the issue of global educational rights. Almost overnight, she became a leader in the movement and someone people looked to for wisdom.
Today we celebrate Dr. King’s life, and use it as an opportunity to see how much work is still necessary to improve human rights everywhere in the world. Share these images and quotes as a tool for inspiration and proof of how a great leader can truly spark change in the world.