Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his famous 1960 speech ”Keep moving from the Mountain”-still relevant

Where the quote comes from–according to co-pilot.

The statement comes from Dr. King’s 1960 speech “Keep Moving from This Mountain,” delivered at Spelman College during their Founder’s Day celebration.

He used this line as a vivid metaphor for perseverance in the struggle for justice, urging students not to become stagnant or discouraged, no matter the pace of their progress.

 Historical moment

The speech was delivered on April 10, 1960, at a time when:

– The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum

– Sit‑ins were spreading across the South

– Young people—especially college students—were becoming central to the movement

King was speaking directly to young Black women at Spelman College, encouraging them to stay committed to the long, often exhausting fight for equality.

 What King meant

In the speech, King described four “mountains” that society had to overcome:

– Relativism

– Materialism

– Segregation

– Violence

He insisted that progress—no matter how slow—was essential for the survival of civilization.

The quote captures his message perfectly:

– If you can fly → move boldly

– If you can run → move steadily

– If you can walk → move patiently

– If you can crawl → move with whatever strength you have left

But never stop moving forward.

 Why it resonates today

King’s words remind us that:

– Progress isn’t always fast  

It’s a philosophy that applies to justice, personal growth, faith, and resilience.