The dream may still be a dream.

Nearly 40 years after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, his vision for equality remains a standard among people fighting for civil rights, both in terms of race and other issues.

So today, as the nation pauses to remember King and his message, we decided to go through the Journal-World’s files to find what people have said about him through the years. The quotes, both from the days immediately following his assassination and on days since then set to commemorate his life, offer snapshots of the quest for equality over the past 39 years.

In some cases, they show that, for as much progress has been made, the dream may still be deferred.

April 5, 1968

Jesse Milan, Lawrence NAACP president, speaking the day after King was assassinated: “The work of Martin Luther King must continue for the advancement of the cause to which he gave his life – the cause of total equality and freedom for every American by nonviolent, lawful means. There can be no surrender to Uncle Tomism and no backward steps because of this great tragedy.

“We all must remain firm and totally committed to the cause of nonviolence through lawful means to attain the equality and freedom the nation must have. May we all unite to help realize ‘The Dream’ of Martin Luther King. Many people – negroes and whites alike – are deeply saddened at this great loss, but it must not be in vain. We must now all work harder than ever to attain the goals for which Dr. King gave his short but productive life.”

Glen Kyle, a consultant with the Atlanta History Center, prepares to hang a large image of Martin Luther King Jr. near the entrance to an upcoming exhibit at the Atlanta History Center in Atlanta. An exhibit of Martin Luther King Jr.'s personal papers will go on display at the center starting today.

The Rev. Norman Steffen, pastor of University Lutheran Church, who helped organize a vigil shortly after King’s death: “I hope that the position of nonviolent but constructive action can be strengthened by this tragedy and that the people of our community and the nation can rally more effectively to the cause that Dr. Martin Luther King served so well.”

Mayor Richard Raney: “Very clearly this death is a great tragedy. I feel comfortable that Dr. King has not lost his fight. History will prove his death, however, tragic, was not a death for a losing cause. Responsible leadership in this and many cities through the nation has responded, and will continue to respond, to what Dr. King so clearly articulated: the need for equality among the races.”

April 7, 1968

Nicholas Gerren, a Kansas University student who helped organize a march of 700 people at KU: “My black brother is dead. His only sin was a desire for peace, his only wrong was a love for the black man. Here in America, the land of the free press, the land of free speech, he took a stand, fought, spoke and died for what he believed.”

April 4, 1969

The Rev. Alvin Larkin, who helped organize a memorial service on the one-year anniversary of King’s death: “It’s one thing to speak words and another to live by the words you speak, and even another to die behind the words you speak. With his death came a new birth in the minds and hearts of many.”

Still dreaming...

April 24, 1979

The Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., speaking at KU: “If you’re going to get free, you’re going to have to get free by young folks. They can read and write and protest. Learn to use peaceful means to get where you’re going.”

Jan. 16, 1986

The Rev. Charles Kinneybrew of Ninth Street Baptist Church: “I would describe him as an individual who exemplified a true concern for all of mankind. He was also, to me, a leader among leaders. He had the ability to excite or to bring the best out of people. He had that ability. I think that was God-given.”

Jan. 14, 1990

Martin Luther King III, speaking at KU: “I’m not a pessimist. I’m more of an optimist. I say we can achieve freedom of justice. … All I’m saying is that we in America face a tough challenge. Martin Luther King laid us out a blueprint. He didn’t just talk that talk, but he walked that walk.”

June 26, 1991

City Commissioner John Nalbandian, defending the city’s decision to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day an official city holiday even though it would cost $52,300 in overtime for employees: “I recognize this is a significant sum of money, but I think this is worth the money. Setting aside a day will actually cause a lot of people to consider the importance of Dr. King’s life.”

Aug. 28, 1993

The Rev. Homer “Butch” Henderson of Plymouth Congregational Church, who had witnessed King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” 30 years earlier: “King was able to unite that huge throng into a celebrating community. It became a liturgical experience in the best sense of that term. These people had been working for the goals of equality, better jobs and an end to racial segregation. They were really celebrating … It was fantastic.”