"I met Dr. King in 1965 when he spoke at Erma Hughes Business College, Houston, Texas. My alma mater. Mrs. Hughes deemed it important that I be given a chance to meet and speak one on one with him. That meeting colored the rest of my life. He made two statements that day which remains in my heart and mind to present time. He said: “If a man doesn’t stand for something, he will fall for anything.” and: “I’d rather die on my feet, than to live on my knees.” Of that experience, mere words cannot convey the essence. Those words spoken on that day, shall forever remain upon the pillars of my heart.There, in the study, God’s special Envoy of Peace prayed as never before. It was as though he transcended directly to the Throne of God in the spirit, to deliver his Petition. Drops of sweat poured from his soul like water from a faucet as he concluded his prayer. “Father, I know my hour is near, and I’m feeling all the human fears, dreads and emotions of anyone knowingly approaching death. Father, you know my journey has been long, and it’s been hard. But you’ve been right by my side. And now, Father, I pray that my work has not been in vain, but that I’ve helped in some small way to heal a sick nation. I pray that I may have helped straighten the backs and squared the shoulders of my brothers and sisters held in bondage by a misguided people; and that I’ve shown them that being Black is not a crime, but a blessing. In that, I’ve given them the will and the stamina to stand up and demand what is rightfully theirs, freedom. The freedom to live their lives as men and women of dignity and pride.” Taking his wife’s hand in his, he continued his prayer, “It’s so hard for me right now, Father, but I won’t ask you remove this cup from me. I don’t need that. I ask nothing now, for myself, but the strength to continue this journey to the end and that my footsteps may not falter. But, I will ask, Lord, that you give my family the strength to endure the suffering and the pain that my leaving will bring them. Bless them not to harbor ill feelings, anger or bitterness toward those destined to inflict this thing upon me. And Father, forgive those whose hands seek to destroy me. Father, I tried to do my task as best as I could. You know how hard I’ve tried. Now, oh, heavenly Father, let Thy Will be done with me.” "Journey Into Freedom is an important collection of the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The leadership, commitment, identity, dreams, peace and topics used are fantastic. It is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much for his country. It should be read, treasured and passed on to our youth of today. I strongly feel the teaching of his philosophy and wisdom would do much to uplift, motivate, and inform all children of today of the struggle which has made America the great country it is today. Journey Into Freedom forever records, in a sequential order, the struggle as it happened. Anyone who reads it will be forever changed. I strongly recommend it. 
By Etha Gray
