Today is the 50th anniversary of the delivery of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, an event remembered as a watershed moment in the American Civil Rights Movement.

If you’ve never read or listened to this historic speech, today’s the perfect day to do it! Here’s a transcript of “I Have a Dream,” and you can watch it below:

King’s message drew heavily on spiritual themes and specific Bible passages. His background as a pastor is often overlooked in favor of his role as an activist, but understanding the biblical basis of his call for justice adds a lot of useful context. Here are two posts from our blog you might find helpful:

• The Bible Passages Behind Martin Luther King Jr.’s Message — a look at some of King’s best-known sermons and the Bible passages upon which they’re based.
• Why Didn’t They Stop? Martin Luther King Jr. on the Parable of the Good Samaritan — King’s last speech (delivered the day before he was killed) offered a fresh look at the parable of the Good Samaritan, and packs quite a punch.

There’s a lot of talk online this week about “I Have a Dream” and King’s legacy. Take the opportunity to learn more about this remarkable preacher and activist!