Honoring the Courage of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Tulsa, OK, January 20, 2025-Dr. William M. Wilson, President of Oral Roberts University, remembers the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, as we reflect on the life and enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are confronted by a truth that resonates across generations: True courage is not the absence of fear but the audacity to persevere. Courage is fear that has said its prayers, as the author Dorothy Bernard once said, and Dr. King's life stands as a profound example of this Divine truth.

Amid great adversity, Dr. King challenged us to redefine unity, justice, and equality. He lived the life of a man whose courage lit a fire for righteousness, whose faith moved mountains, and whose unwavering love for humanity changed the trajectory of history. Courage is a Divine gift-a spiritual strength that enables us to face danger, fear, and difficulty without retreat. In the words of Dr. King:

To change the world, we must reject our fears, remove our biases, and respond with faith-filled actions. Courage is not reserved for history's heroes. It is a calling for each of us. It is the quiet resolve to stand firm. It is the faith to face fear and pain with unyielding hope. It is the strength to do what God has called us to do in our day, in our time, and in our generation.

Dr. King shows us, "Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles." His life leads us to what is possible when faith fuels courage and courage drives action. His dream guides us into a world where every person is judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. Dr. King gave us more than a vision for yesterday; he implores us to act today. Together, we are called to find that same courage within ourselves-rising above fear, standing firmly, loving boldly, and acting justly.

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, 2025, let us commit to the path of courage-a courage rooted in faith, sustained by hope, and expressed in love. May we honor Dr. King's memory as we strive to build a culture that reflects the Kingdom of God-one of peace, justice, and equality for all.

Dr. William M. Wilson
President, Oral Roberts University

ABOUT DR. WILLIAM M. WILSON

Dr. William M. Wilson serves as the fourth president of Oral Roberts University (ORU).

Since taking office in 2013, Wilson has piloted the largest campus expansion in the University's history.

Most recently, President Wilson has led the University to begin "The Whole Leaders for the Whole World" campaign, establishing ORU for future generations.

During Wilson's tenure, ORU's enrollment has grown year over year, welcoming the largest incoming class in ORU's history in the Fall 2024 semester. ORU has annually enrolled students from all 50 states and 165 nations in the last five years, earning the ranking as one of the top 25 most diverse universities in America.

With over four decades of executive leadership experience, Wilson also serves as Global Chair of Empowered21, Chair of the Pentecostal World Fellowship and as an at-large member of the board of the National Association of Evangelicals. He also holds leadership positions with the Summit League President's Council, and the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Wilson has authored several books including Generation Z: Born for the Storm, The Power of One, the revised and updated Fasting Forward, and soon to be released revision of Father Cry.

A sought-after Bible communicator, his weekly television program, "World Impact with Dr. Billy Wilson," can be seen in over 150 nations in multiple languages.

Dr. Wilson and his wife Lisa have two children and seven grandchildren.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.