Dr. King, shortly before his trip to Norway to receive the Nobel Prize

Half a century ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave motion to a powerful, peaceful movement – and his words remain deeply moving today.

Here, from the Library’s photographic collections, is a photo of Dr. King shortly before he traveled with members of his family to Oslo, Norway, where in December of 1964 he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership in the struggle for African-Americans’ civil rights.

You can find the text of his stirring acceptance speech here.

On Monday, Americans will observe Martin Luther King Day. Consider his words: “Civilization and violence are antithetical concepts … right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant … I still believe that We Shall overcome!”

Consider his words–and be moved.