The Drum Major Instinct

"This speech was delivered on February 4, 1968 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia by Rev. MLK Jr." It's our favorite of all his speeches.

Part I


Part II


"The Drum Major Instinct" speech should not be miscontrued. Constructive thoughts of you wanting to lead and be in the forefront regarding your efforts in striving for excellence or achieving your very best potential are admirable and accepted behavoirs. Those concepts and thoughts help us to set a standard of reaching a higher mark than mediocrity and average. For some of us the ordinary just won't do.

Rather the message addresses individuals and/or a race of folk who perceive themselves to be far more superior than others. Those who seek to elevate themselves above others to show themselves far more worthy of the breath of life and the better things in life exhibit "wrong motive." Neither does it have anything to do with the "drum major" acquainted with a college marching bands. Sorry. Just setting the record straight. The only working analogy is the concept of taking the lead.

King's "Drum Major Instinct" sermon, given on 4 February 1968, was an adaptation of the 1952 homily ‘‘Drum-Major Instincts’’ by J. Wallace Hamilton, a well-known, liberal, white Methodist preacher. King encouraged his congregation to seek greatness, but to do so through service and love. King concluded the sermon by imagining his own funeral, downplaying his famous achievements and emphasizing his heart to do right.

Courtesy: Video Youtube, Excerpt Stanford University