By: Joe Bundrant, Chief Executive Officer, Trident Seafoods
On January 15, 2023, we celebrate the birthday and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The day offers us a reminder to reflect on the important work to which Dr. King devoted his life.
I am drawn to Dr. King’s remarks when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. As the speech draws to a close, Dr. King suggests that the struggle for justice is an indication of our greater potential:
"When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds and our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, we will know that we are living in the creative turmoil of a genuine civilization struggling to be born."
I’ve been thinking a lot about this wisdom lately—that low-hovering clouds and dark nights are the turmoil that bring about positive change and a brighter future. And that we must all join hands and put our faith, commitment, and trust in the greater good and in each other. When that happens, we can truly reach our full potential.
Sooner or later, all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace.
At Trident, our values are rooted in the belief that, at our core:
We care for each other
We pursue excellence
We do the right thing
I believe if we all practiced these same philosophies in greater society, it would make a meaningful difference in bringing Dr. King’s dream to fruition. While I think Dr. King would be encouraged by how far our society has come in the 95 years since his birth, much work remains to ensure peace and justice in the world. And we all have a part to play.
Another quote I love is by the author Joel A. Barker, who said:
"Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world."
As we enter 2024 with all its opportunities and challenges, I ask you to join me in committing to actions – both big and small – that change the world and bring Dr. King’s vision and dream to life.
Here is Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize speech in its entirety.