However, as we begin a new year, I invite you to think about what you have previously learned about Dr. King when you were a younger student, in light of this particular speech. The subject of the talk was the Vietnam War, in an excerpt from a sermon given at Ebenezer Baptist Church, on April 30, 1967. During that very perilous time, consider the public response to his words back then:
...after giving the speech...King was dropped from Gallup’s annual list of the most admired Americans and was ridiculed by the New York Times, among too many others. Soon after, he was murdered (Robert Scheer, Truthdig.com).As a kind of evidence, look closely at this 3-frame diagram of King's funeral photo which highlighted Black Americans using black dots, and Whites, using red dots.
Life Magazine, April 19, 1968, by Alfredo Jaar. (Copyright Alfredo Jaar)
Although the speech is over 20 minutes long, you are encouraged to listen to as much of it as you can (it's audio only). I know what amazing multitaskers you are. Press PLAY and have it on in the background as you message your friends and surf the net ;) Ask yourself the following questions:
Although the speech is over 20 minutes long, you are encouraged to listen to as much of it as you can (it's audio only). I know what amazing multitaskers you are. Press PLAY and have it on in the background as you message your friends and surf the net ;) Ask yourself the following questions:
- Why is this post titled, "The Forgotten King"?
- Why don't many Americans celebrate this speech?
- Can you make connections to today?
