Malibu Times Multimedia Director Julie Ellerton hit the streets this week to ask, “How has Martin Luther King, Jr. influenced your life?”
Malibu resident, senior at Pacifica Christian High School“I can relate to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. because of his focus on equality, honor and kindness to all. He was a great man who changed history.”
Co-founder CANVAS boutique and gallery in Malibu“Martin Luther King, Jr. for me represents the limitless potential we all have to dream of a better tomorrow for ourselves and others, regardless of our current circumstances.”
Malibu resident, founder and CEO All You Need Is Love Charity/Good Morning School in Thailand“Dr. King shared his dream at 34, won the Nobel Peace Prize at 35 and died at 39. He modeled courage and humanity, and taught us the time is now. His lessons led me to become a teacher and human rights activist, but then in my own personal life, I’ve benefitted from his activism as well, by being able to marry the person whom I love.”
Malibu resident, actor and author“One of my best friends from high school ended up working for NASA. His name is Shelby Jacobs, he’s a mechanical engineer. He marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. in the early days. Shelby brought up how dangerous it was in those times; they were in the South — tough times. I absolutely never had the struggles that he had. Shelby and I are still in contact — pals — so my connection with Martin Luther King, Jr. has really been through Shelby and the stories he shared with me.”
Heath supplement specialties at The Vitamin Barn“Martin Luther King, Jr. talked about choosing love over hate — hate being the greater burden and love was about setting yourself free. His quote, ‘I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear,’ influenced my life. I’m from Atlanta and when he talked about ‘From the Hills of Stone Mountain,’ I grew up in the Stone Mountain area, so that also resonates with me. I think he was bringing what we are really supposed to be doing and stand up for everyone’s rights.”