East Side in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
"The Drum Major Instinct"
Photographed by James Hulse
1. "The Drum Major Instinct" Marker
"Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won't have any money to leave behind. I won't have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind. And that's all I want to say.
If I can help somebody as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,
If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong.
Then my living will not be in vain.
If I can do my duty as a Christian ought.
If I can bring salvation to a world once wrought,
If I can spread the message as the master taught
Then my living will not be in vain."
Martin Luther King, Jr. - Atlanta Georgia - February 4, 1968
Erected 2018 by City of San Antonio.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is February 4, 1968.
Location. 29° 24.805′ N, 98° 25.147′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in the East Side. It is at the intersection of Martin Luther
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Loving Your Enemies" (here, next to this marker); "I've Been to The Mountaintop" (here, next to this marker); "Measure of A Man" (here, next to this marker); "Beyond Vietnam" (here, next to this marker); "Remaining Awake Through A Great Revolution" (here, next to this marker); "The Purpose of Education" (here, next to this marker); "I Have A Dream Speech" (a few steps from this marker); Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
More about this marker. The marker is one of seven markers about Martin Luther King Jr.
Photographed by James Hulse, May 26, 2026
2. "The Drum Major Instinct" Marker
The marker is the middle marker of the three markers.
Photographed by James Hulse, May 26, 2026
3. "The Drum Major Instinct" Marker
The view of the markers at the entrance to the Martin Luther King Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
