Love formed the core of movement for King

As we commemorate Black History Month and the long road ahead for our country, we’re not going to get to the mountaintop, as King often said, if we don’t love one another.

going strong at 93 years of age, would simply ask do we love one another?

Love was always at the core of the movement for King. Even in his speech against the Vietnam War, King said, “Beyond the calling of race or nation or creed is the vocation of sonship and brotherhood.” King’s devotion to brotherly love has been a consistent topic of discussion for Black History Month at my church, Vision of Breath with Life Ministries. My pastor, S. D. Carter, believes that agape love is key to taking up the mantel from King and others who tirelessly fought for social justice.

“When we look at the life that Dr. King led, everything he did to help the poor, both black and white, and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, he did it out of love,” says Carter. “If we aim to minister and work in service as King did, but we don’t genuinely love the people we’re helping, then it doesn’t profit us anything.”

Carter then brought up King’s famous passage about being a drum major for righteousness. “I’ve always been inspired by King saying that when he died he wanted to be remembered as trying to love somebody,” says Carter. “He mentioned love before talking about feeding the hungry or visiting those in prison. He knew love was essential for serving humanity.”

King is definitely a seminal figure honored throughout the month of February, and I’ve given much thought regarding Pastor Carter’s reflections and what Rev. Vivian, whom I met two years ago, continues to preach. As we commemorate Black History Month and the long road ahead for our country, we’re not going to get to the mountaintop, as King often said, if we don’t love one another. Love is the legacy that will take us there.