I've Been to the Mountaintop
23 January 2007, early morning
Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! And so I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!
This was the last speech Martin Luther King, Jr, gave before he was assassinated. He was killed the very next day. It’s an excellent speech — like all his speeches — and well worth taking the time to read.
This reminds me of Tupac, in an odd way, except that MLK’s people didn’t keep putting out new speeches for years after he died.
by Ben on January 23 2007, 11:14 am #
He didn’t swear as much as well, but I know what you mean. Tupac was pretty thoughtful when he wasn’t ranting about the East and West coast.
by ramanan on January 23 2007, 11:52 am #
I meant it more in the sense that he was a man who knew his time was coming. That always freaks me out in younger men. Knowing that you are so controversial that, sooner or later, someone is going to kill you.
by Ben on January 23 2007, 12:54 pm #
Ben,
Tupac is a tragic figure in several ways, but to mention him in the same breath with King is outrageous, one of the most outrageous thing I’ve this year.
My God, please help us.
by PP on January 24 2007, 2:32 am #