Martin Luther King
An
All-American
Hero
Martin Luther King Day is a day to reflect on the life and legacy of a true American hero whose relevance not only remains undiminished, but grows with every passing year. He was a man who followed the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, preaching a philosophy of non-violent activism and resistence. He was principally focused on racial inequality, segregation and discrimination, but expanded beyond this to include economic inequality and peace - all issues that are still very much with us today.
"I Have A Dream" is a children's book which includes the full text of Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech, and is beautfully illustrated with pictures that help amplify the speech and allow children to more readily engage with Dr. King's powerful vision of an America free of racial discrimination and inequality. Other excellent children's biographies of Dr. King include "I Have A Dream: The Story Of Martin Luther King" and "Martin Luther King, Jr. (DK Biography)" which are both great introductions to his teaching and what he stood for.
For an adult perspective on King and his work, Mashall Frady's biography, "Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Life" explores both the complexity of the man and the difficulty of pursuing a campaign of non-violent resistance. The path King took was not easy, and riled conservative forces who sought remedies through the courts. King's approach also confounded more militant activists who saw violence as a valid means to securing their rights. He was personally conflicted by his own demons, and yet despite all of the forces tormenting him he continued with a constancy in his public mission which seems all the more remarkable in this light.
Ultimately what one always returns to are King's own words from speeches and books such as "Why We Can't Wait" and "Stride Toward freedom: The Montgomery Story," as well as numerous collections of speeches and quotations. And so, on this day of reflection, we leave you with Dr. King himself, in interviews and speeches - a true American hero.
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