In his lifetime, Dr. Martin Luther King was known for his splendid oratorical abilities and, especially, his remarkable speeches about racism, equality and other issues vital to the civil rights movement. Many of these orations have, rightfully, become famous and oft-quoted.

Dr. King spoke in Milwaukee on a couple occasions. His first speech here was delivered on Aug. 14, 1956. Neither the morning Sentinel or the afternoon Journal ran anything about this visit.

When he returned on Jan. 27, 1964, for a standing-room-only event at the Milwaukee Auditorium, both papers finally took notice. At the Auditorium Dr. King spoke to 6,300 MIlwaukeeans for about 40 minutes. Here are some of the highlights:

• He encouraged people to erase two myths: "Only time can solve the problems of racial integration" and "Civil rights legislation is not important."

• "It may be true that you cannot legislate morality but behavior can be regulated."

• "Law cannot change the heart, but it can restrain the heartless."

• "Time is neutral. It can be used either constructively or destructively ... We must help time and we must realize that the time is always right to do right."

• "We have argued and discussed civil rights enough." He cautioned against getting "bogged down in the paralysis of analysis."

• "It takes a strong person to be nonviolent. It has a way of disarming the opposition. He doesn't know what to do. He doesn't know how to handle it."

• "We will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair the stone of hope."

It is also interesting to note that the FBI reportedly contacted Marquette University on March 4, 1964, telling them not to award an honorary degree to Dr. King. He was, they said, affiliated with communists.

After Dr. King's assassination in April 1968, 15,000 people marched through the streets of downtown Milwaukee. It remains the largest civil rights demonstration in city history and was among the biggest in the country at the time.

Places in Milwaukee named after Martin Luther King:

Martin Luther King Library, 310 W. Locust St.: The library features artwork related to Dr. King and quotations from him adorn panels throughout the building.

Martin Luther King Elementary School, 3275 N. Martin Luther King Dr.

Martin Luther King Drive and the Martin Luther King Drive Business Improvement District, 2745 N. Martin Luther King Dr.: In addition to their dedication to improving the area, there is also a wonderful statue of Dr. King.

Martin Luther King Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet St.: There is entertainment here from time to time, and it's a good, safe place for young people to go.

One of the first places to be named after Dr. King was the Martin Luther King Community School, which is now an adult learning center on Martin Luther King Drive.