Love Overcomes Hate:
Lesson for Today, Blueprint for Tomorrow

by Debra Schrishuhn for the PDA National Team

Faith and nonviolence were foundational principles of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that guided his strategy for transforming America into a land of opportunity and justice for all, not just the few. He centered his life’s work on gaining legal equality for African Americans, in the process demonstrating the enduring power of coalition-building and peaceful but purposeful resistance to injustice.

He knew that meaningful change would not, could not be the result of a single march or action or law.

In his acceptance speech of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize he declared, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.”

Battles won in one place must be replicated elsewhere, and victories achieved once must be defended in the future. The righteous fight for equality and justice is a marathon, not a sprint.

Progressive Democrats of America celebrates the legacy of Dr. King, as we recommit ourselves to the twin goals of equality and justice on the streets, in the halls of power, and through our solidarity with vulnerable peoples everywhere.