Every year, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Apple pays tribute to the US civil rights pioneer on its homepage. This year, the tech giant has once again devoted its homepage to remembering and honoring Martin Luther King Jr., featuring a brief quote and a link to a free ebook titled ‘The Essential Martin Luther King Jr.’
The chosen quote for this year is from a commencement speech King gave in 1959 at Morehouse College, Atlanta. It emphasizes the importance of being concerned about every human being and urges individuals to not only focus on their own goals but also on the lives of others.
While celebrating the achievements of the civil rights movement, the tribute also serves as a reminder to guard against complacency and encourages participation in non-violent social revolution, no matter how small the contribution may be.
Stanford’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute has a version of the speech marked up with King’s handwritten modifications to the text. The speech acknowledges the global impact of the ongoing revolution, emphasizing the need for individuals to remain alert and creative amidst these revolutionary times.
Referencing the story of Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving, the speech draws parallels to the transformative changes brought about by significant historical events. It highlights the shift from America under the domination of the British Empire to a free and independent nation, symbolized by the change in the picture on the wall of the little inn in the town on the Hudson.
Apple’s annual tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. serves as a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy and the ongoing relevance of his message in today’s world.
