Joseph K. West

I returned to D.C. today from a work trip on an early morning flight. As our plane traced the route of the Potomac, we flew over the imposing Kennedy Center, the sobering MLK Memorial, and in the distance I could see the Lincoln Memorial.

In that moment, it occurred to me that each of the men for whom these structures are named worked for equality and for social justice, and each of them was murdered in the process.

Fifty years ago today, Dr. King was murdered. I choose not to use the term “assassinated,” because it is a term that is too remote and too impersonal for the act of shooting a man in the face because he sought to make America a just and fair place for all.  

Dr. King was not just an icon. He was a human being. He was a brilliant scholar who finished college at age 19, earned a Ph.D. at 26 and received the Nobel Peace Prize at 35.  He was a husband and a father.  He was only 39 years old when he died. 

He was a gifted minister from a prominent Atlanta family who could have led a comfortable life, but who chose to work for others and eventually died the night after leading a rally for striking garbage workers in Memphis.

His life should be a reminder that each of us is obligated to work in support of the ideals upon which this country was founded. His death should be a reminder that this work continues. 

Joseph K. West is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of Duane Morris LLP.