Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for the fundamentals of man in 1963. Three decades later, Ellen DeGeneres gives a speech that reminds us why they’re still the cornerstones of humanity.
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When one makes a statement or a proclamation, it’s difficult to know where it will lead. It’s even more difficult to predict whether or not one’s words will stick–or be impactful enough to spark meaningful thought or action. If what is said is indeed strong enough to do either of those things, it’s likely to be remembered long after the person who says it has left this world.
If their words remain in the hearts and minds of those who stayed long enough to see change happen–however–that individual has the power to raise and feed a nation. It doesn’t matter if they’re a man, woman or child.
During her acceptance speech at the 2015 Teen Choice Awards this past weekend, Ellen DeGeneres made a proclamation of her own, about the importance of self.
“I want to say that it feels good to be chosen, but there was a time in my life when I was not chosen–because I was different. I want to make sure that everyone knows that what makes you different right now, makes you stand out later in life.”
2015 has proven to be a year of milestones for humanity, highlighted by the legalization of gay marriage in America. DrGeneres’s words were not only spoken with poise, but they conveyed a message of connection and unity. In the video shown above, she also spoke about the value of equality and acceptance–the very same things that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought so hard for more than three decades ago.
The fact that people are still addressing things like this today–much less celebrities–is both refreshing and disturbing. On one hand, it shows that the US still has a long way to go as a country. On the other hand, however, it’s proof that acceptance and equality have not gone by the wayside. It’s proof that man still needs them to thrive and survive in this modern jungle–and still values them enough their time-tested message.
Not only that, but Ellen has been at the forefront of change–n0t just in the modern era, but long before her first talk show. So I’ll leave you with this: When you think about the “I Have A Dream” speech and its sheer impact on humanity alone, is there really that much difference between 1963 and 2015?
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