Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential black leaders in history. His legacy has inspired people around the world to fight for equality — but that hyper-visibility has also led to the whitewashing and sanitization of his life.

King was a Baptist minister from the South, a law-breaker, a protester. He challenged norms and broke barriers, preaching about resistance and strength just as often has he preached love. But over time, many of these qualities have been written out of history.

It's a disservice to King's memory to ignore the full scope of his beliefs and his complexity as a person. His words can teach us a lot about what it means to be an activist and advocate for social justice.

To honor his life and work on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, these underrated quotes paint a more accurate and extensive picture of King — one that both inspires and challenges us.

1.

"Letter From Birmingham Jail," 1963

Between 1955 and 1965, King was arrested nearly 30 times. Although he was nonviolent, he resisted oppression and refused to comply with injustice.

2.

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"Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution," 1968

In addition to racial justice, King was a fierce advocate for the rights of the poor. Very aware of the intersection of race and class, he organized the Poor People's Campaign to fight for economic justice in the United States.

3.

"Beyond Vietnam," 1967

King didn't accept lazy allyship in the 1960s. He argued that temporary band-aids over wounds of oppression underestimate the depth and magnitude of the institutions that produce them. He advocated that in order to truly help those in need, it's crucial to understand the systemic causes of poverty, racism and other social inequalities.

4.

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"The Drum Major Instinct," 1968

King was a firm believer that we all have the capacity to make a difference — regardless of class, age or formal education.

5.

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"Letter From Birmingham Jail," 1963

King did not equate nonviolence with no action at all. He demanded freedom with both his words and efforts.

6.

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Speech at UCLA, 1965

One of King's most popular quotes is, "I have a dream that ... the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood."

But it's important to note that he also understood it wouldn't always be possible to change people's morals. He did believe, however, in the power of legislation for racial justice, and while "the law may not change the hearts of men, it does change the habits of men."

7.

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"Letter From Birmingham Jail," 1963

King is frequently framed as a very reasonable leader, often contrasted with the extremism of Malcolm X. However, King was also viewed as an extremist for much of his time as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement. And he embraced it.

In his "Letter From Birmingham Jail," he explained that being an extremist for a good cause wasn't something to be a ashamed of. "I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label," he wrote. "Was not Jesus an extremist for love?"

8.

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"Letter From Birmingham Jail," 1963

As a leader of the Civil Rights Movement, King came across many people who accepted some of his beliefs and denied the ones that made them uncomfortable. In his "Letter From Birmingham Jail," he points toward white moderates who understood his argument for freedom and agreed with his goals, but disagreed with his timing or methods of direct action.

We see the same today, when people only partially quote King or misunderstand his beliefs.

Looking at his words over time, it's safe to assume King would have wanted a celebration of his life to honor all parts of him — especially the parts that challenge us.