I am not a great follower of history, but Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the few names that comes to mind when I think of people who gave of themselves to make this a better society.
Being white, I am naturally ignorant of the true struggles of any other race. I know my world; I hear rumors of others. And yet, here I am, at the request of a friend, blogging about a man, an historical figure, about whom I actually know very little. What I do know is that, because of men like Martin Luther King, Jr., our world ― as far from ideal as it is ― is better and more unified. His strength and bravery, his choice to become a voice for his people, cleared a path toward self-respect and hope. His people being anyone oppressed, abused, tortured, or murdered because of the ignorance, greed, and brutality of other human beings.
See also King on Poverty.