Martin Luther King Jr. was a renowned civil rights activist, author, and American clergy in the 20th century. History has it that he committed himself to advocate for the right of the black race in the United States. Apart from this, his principles and lessons on money are held in high esteem as they were transformational and are considered thought-provoking through the ages. Martin Luther King Jr. Money was not only known to have a net worth of $250 thousand before his death. He was a thought leader on money as a tool for equipping the human capital of the African-American race.
Was Martin Luther King Jr. A Financial Advocate
The advocacy role played by the late human rights activist was channeled towards the betterment of the masses. His displeasure over the inequality in the 20th century aroused his interest to driven for economic equity with money as the central focus of his discussion while working on the freedom budget to wipe away poverty in 1966.
What Are The Thoughts Of Martin Luther King Jr on Money
This article will expound on five lessons from the legendary leader Martin Luther King Jr. before his demise.
1. Money As A False God: In 1953, while ministering in Atlanta, King Jr reprimanded his audience against placing money as a god before them. He held on to the fact that money was an essential need of man, but when the desire for it is not in check it will empower evil in society. He pointed out that the desire for money has caused men to abandon their essence of living towards contributing to the well-being of others to focus on personal interests. He registered this as a tool that has deprived men of the possibility of living life to its fullest.
2. The Vietnam Denouncement: It was strange to have the thought leader, Martin Luther King Jr. denounce his stance against the Vietnam War, which he described as a waste of the money and resources that would have equipped the human capital, which is the essential component of the nation. He saw the process as unjust and measured toward impoverishing the citizens rather than empowering them. In his speech during the session in 1967, he said, “True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It is not haphazard and superficial. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.”
3. The push for job opportunities and sustainable income in 1967: Martin Luther King Jr. pointed out that every man desires to have a sustainable means of livelihood to cater to his ever-increasing need. King Jr, requested the establishment of more job opportunities to enhance the flow of money among American citizens. He channeled his efforts towards ensuring that all men had something to hold on to, especially those without traditional job roles. His money focus was on developing the potential of individuals to avoid waste.
4. The Other America Speech of 1968: The Other America was the last speech prepared by Martin Luther King Jr before his demise. The human rights activists and gospel ministers observed that people classified as other America were in a state of poverty without access to the resources in the nation. He saw the issue as a state of depression in the nation other than a social problem among the black race.
5. Create your economy don’t wait for the economy to change: Martin Luther King Jr. was a strong advocate for the creation of personal wealth without being stocked in the cubicle waiting for the change that may never come. In his letter in 1963 while in jail in Birmingham read, “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
Conclusion
Martin Luther King Jr.’s impact on human emancipation has outlived generations. Among the several things he is remembered for are the vital life lessons and teachings he took on money as a tool for human capital development. The human rights advocate described financial freedom as a just course worth fighting. He noted that there is nothing in the world, that is greater than financial freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Martin Luther King Jr.’s message focused on money?
Martin Luther King Jr. believed in a balance nation where citizens had a fair share in the economy of the nation. He worked sacrificially towards lending his voice on the issue of money and human development.
Are the money lessons shared by Martin Luther King Jr. still relevant?
The life lessons shared on money by Martin Luther King Jr. are very relevant in today’s world. The teachings are held in high esteem by many as a transformational tool for human freedom from poverty.
