I have read that those famous words spoken in Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream speech” were not originally planned for the speech. Rather, they were extemporaneously added by King. It’s said that on that day… when MLK came to that part in the speech that had been prepared for him to say…he had paused. Thinking to himself… that the words didn’t feel right or fitting at that moment. He couldn’t bring himself to say them. But what would he say in place of them? Hence the pause.
Meanwhile, sensing the pause in his speech the great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, who was sitting nearby had shouted out to MLK…
“Tell them about the dream, Martin! Tell them about the dream”… and in that moment Martin Luther King listened to both Mahalia Jackson and also his own conscience and found the right words. The rest was as they say… history. This dream that he shared with America and the world rings as true today as it did back then.
While MLK was well known for his many leadership qualities, like public speaking…his friends, family, and followers also knew him for some of his lesser known but no less important quality of being a good listener. It’s said that MLK surrounded himself with those people who would actively challenge him. Who weren’t afraid to push, prod, advocate, and even disagree with him. Very likely, MLKs ability to listen and respond appropriately is a leadership trait that we all can learn from. Especially today in these hyper polarized times.
A lot of people today are posting their favorite quotes in honor of MLK. Which is great. But I think we can do better than just posting a quote or meme. I think the best way to honor MLK today, is to start by learning to be better listeners. In fact, that might be the best way to save our country right now.
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Jim Sullivan 