This opinion piece from Charles M. Blow is from a couple of years ago, but I think it’s important to share today on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Many of us know the positive and optimistic attitude that MLK exuded in his life as a civil rights leader, but Blow writes that these are the characteristics that many of us are taught about him – rather than the unpolished version. While many know King’s “I have a dream” speech, they don’t know that years later he spoke about exchanging some optimism for realism. Blow’s reflection reminds us to be inspired by King’s optimism and determination through his life’s work, but it also reminds us that idealism is not enough. King called on each of us to act, in small and big ways, to create a just society for all. While optimism may help us on the journey, action is needed to build an equitable world.