Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial - Photo Courtesy of Ethan Clark

If We Could Talk to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Thoughts from Wheeling Students

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left a legacy of courage, hope, and a vision for a more just world. But what would today’s youth ask him if they had the chance? To honor MLK Day, we asked students from Wheeling Park High School’s Park Press to reflect on this question: If you could talk to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., what would you ask him and why?

Their thoughtful answers reveal the ways Dr. King’s work continues to resonate with younger generations. From questions about standing up to injustice to conversations about unity in a divided world, these reflections are a powerful reminder of his enduring impact.

London Miller

Martin Luther King Jr.’s words have really given me a different perspective on kindness. There is a specific quote that completely changed my view on how you should treat and help others. MLK says, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

I’m going to be honest—I do have a tendency to let negative people make me a negative person and put me in a bad mood. For example, when I’m in school and somebody bumps into me in the hallway, it completely changes my mood.

Since the new year just started, one of my main resolutions is to be a light for others. I want people to look at me as someone they can trust and talk to about anything.

Another MLK quote that I love is, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” I love this quote because you never know what someone is going through, especially when they aren’t the nicest person. Showing people that there is still positivity in the world could change their perspective on life. Simply smiling at someone or complimenting their shirt could change their whole day.

Gabrielle Contraguerro

Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights activist, still inspires many people with his words today. One of his quotes resonates with me every day: “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” 

This quote stays with me because I believe kindness and love are the root of all happiness. We as a society are so familiar with hating people we haven’t had the chance to formally meet yet.

MLK’s quote contradicts this and says that we should stick with love and not hate whoever we meet in our lives.  

One thing that I am striving for in 2025, is to embrace love and let go of any hate at all. Another quote that I incorporate into my life says, “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” You can incorporate this into your everyday life by always showing kindness to whoever shows you hate. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words would be applied to our lives every day because of how impactful and meaningful they are. Both of these positive quotes have given me an outlook on life and have encouraged me to be even more kind and loving towards others.

Civil rights leaders meet with President John F. Kennedy in the oval office of the White House after the March on Washington, D.C.
Civil Rights Leaders Meet With President John F. Kennedy in the White House After the Civil Rights March – Photo Courtesy of National Parks Service

Mary-Elizabeth Penhos

If I could interview Martin Luther King Jr., I would ask him how he overcame his fears and what kind of personal growth, development, and internal battles he went through in doing so. I feel that as much as his actions and beliefs are talked about, the inner turmoil he must have gone through is barely, if ever, discussed.

That being said, I feel that if I were to ask him how he overcame these emotions, he wouldn’t really have much to say other than the simple fact that his actions were a result of what was and will always be right, regardless of feeling overwhelmed, in doubt, and lost. Not that those feelings don’t matter, but they aren’t as important or prominent when you’re doing what’s right and making a change. Though, I would hope for a deeper answer.

It’s silly, but as a teenager, I struggle with personal growth battles every day—fear of not fitting in, speaking my mind, and feeling lost. I do think that talking to Martin Luther King Jr. would give me a better understanding of life, truly. He was such an incredibly intelligent man, and I want to hear his input on growth and fear. I think he would answer me honestly and give a different perspective to my question.

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Tyra-Hager Smith

As a 14 year old black girl living in 2025, the quote “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., resonates deeply with me. 

Growing up in Wheeling, West Virginia, I have experienced moments where I felt judged or treated unfairly because of the color of my skin. It’s hurtful because it makes me feel like I have to work twice as hard to be seen for my true self. Dr King’s words give me hope that there will be a vision for a better future where my kindness, character, and dreams are what people see first. 

In school, I try my best to be kind to everyone. I focus on being a good friend, doing what I’m told, and overall being a good human being. I believe that if we all treat each other with kindness and respect, we can build a more peaceful environment where everyone is treated equally. My relationships with my friends are a big part of this. I have friends from different backgrounds, and I feel like we are all the same. We all like the same things and have similar dreams for the future. 

We all have our own struggles and strengths but we understand that together we are better and stronger. When we look past our differences, we focus on what makes each one of us unique. I feel like Dr. King’s dream is alive in many of my friendships, and I know this is what he would have wanted for everyone. His quote inspires many people to keep pushing forward with their dreams and to be judged by their character, not the color of their skin.

There are times when I feel the weight of stereotypes and prejudices, especially in public places. I notice a lot of the subtle glances and the hesitant interaction from people who don’t know me well. Most of the time I just brush it off, but it makes me upset that people judge without knowing them. 

My friends and I sometimes have conversations about our race. We share our experiences and listen to each other’s stories while creating a space where we can be open and honest. These conversations have helped us understand each other more and create a stronger bond. 

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from Dr. King’s is the importance of empathy. If we try to put ourselves in others’ shoes and understand their past experiences, we can break down the wall that separates us. Empathy helps us recognize the many struggles, flaws, and joys that make us human. When we empathize with each other, we build levels of compassion that can overcome discrimination.

dr Martin Luther King jr Schiphol airport in the netherlands
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. arrives at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands, August 15, 1964 – Photo Courtesy of Noord-Hollands Archief / Fotoburo de Boer / via Wikimedia Commons

Keeping Dr. King’s Dream Alive Through Action and Empathy

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful words continue to inspire and challenge us, reminding us of the importance of character, kindness, and empathy in creating a world free of prejudice. His dream is not just a lofty idea but a call to action for every one of us. Whether it’s in the way we treat our friends, stand up for what’s right, or choose to see the humanity in others, each small act of kindness and justice helps bring his vision closer to reality.

The stories shared here are proof that Dr. King’s dream lives on through the voices and actions of young people today. These students’ reflections remind us that, while the fight for equality is not yet over, the seeds of hope, understanding, and compassion are being planted every day.

How You Can Be the Change: Carrying the Dream Forward

Now it’s your turn to carry this dream forward. Think about the ways you can create change in your community, no matter how small they may seem. Start conversations, show kindness, and treat others with respect, especially those who are different from you. Take Dr. King’s message to heart and be the light that helps drive out darkness.

Together, we can build a future where everyone is judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. Dr. King’s dream is alive, but it takes each of us to help it flourish. How will you make a difference today?