Today we’re celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Observed annually on the third Monday of January in the US, this day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the American civil rights movement. Established as a federal holiday in 1983, it celebrates his commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolent activism. The day is marked by community service, educational events, and reflections on Dr. King’s vision of a society free from racial discrimination. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve his dream of unity, dignity, and equality for all.

In honor of his heroic efforts and exceptional leadership, I’d like to share an audio recording of a sermon that Dr. King gave on February 4, 1968, at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He delivered it exactly two months before his assassination on April 4.

This sermon, titled “The Drum Major Instinct,” reflects on the human desire for recognition and greatness. Dr. King warned against the dangers of selfish ambition and urged his listeners to channel this instinct toward serving others. He emphasized humility, love, and a life dedicated to justice and equality as the highest forms of greatness. In this powerful message, he envisioned a world where individuals seek to be "drum majors for justice, peace, and righteousness," leaving a legacy of selfless service. This sermon, one of his final public addresses, encapsulates his commitment to the moral and spiritual dimensions of leadership and humanity.