Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Power of Giving a Man a Pair of Boots

By: BIPOC Affinity Group Co-Chairs Demorrious Robinson and Marley Bessette

When we think of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his “I Have a Dream” speech often comes to mind—a beautiful vision of equality, unity, and hope. But Dr. King’s work wasn’t just about words; it was about action. He wasn’t just dreaming; he was building. And one of his most powerful insights reminds us why action matters: “It’s all right to tell a man to lift himself by his own bootstraps, but it is a cruel jest to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps.”

Think about that. Telling someone to rise up without giving them the tools to do it isn’t just unfair—it’s downright wrong. The principle of giving a man a pair of boots is about more than just charity; it’s about empowerment. It’s about recognizing that people don’t just need encouragement—they need resources, opportunities, and someone willing to walk alongside them as they move forward.

Dr. King understood this deeply. He knew that justice wasn’t just about breaking down barriers but also about building bridges and opening doors. It’s about creating systems where people have what they need to succeed. Giving someone the equivalent of a “pair of boots” means you’re not just helping them take a step—you’re giving them a chance to walk toward their purpose.

So as we honor Dr. King’s legacy, let’s ask ourselves: Who can we help today? Who needs boots in our community, our workplace, or even our own circle? His dream wasn’t just about a better world in theory—it was about real, tangible change. And that change starts with us giving, empowering, and equipping.

Let’s be the ones who give boots to those who need them and help them take their first steps toward something greater. That’s how we keep his dream alive.