On MKL Day 2020, I had the honor of speaking from the very pulpit that the man himself once did — at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. The Rev. Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Martin and Coretta, invited me to pay tribute to him. Which I did with relish.

I didn’t remember Dr. King as a champion only for racial justice. Nor did I commemorate him simply for advancing awareness of poverty and militarism in the U.S. Instead, I told the story of how Dr. King inspired me to become a Muslim reformer.

Today, many would say that I have no business learning from a devoted Christian how to advocate for change in Islam. And they would be wrong. Because Dr. King transcended any one religion, nationality, or even race. He was a gutsy global citizen.

You’ll see what I mean when you watch this video of my tribute. Enjoy the passion emanating not just from the pulpit, but also from the pews.