From my email, from the Smithsonian today:

“On the third Monday in January, Americans pause to reflect on the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. A prominent minister and civil rights leader, King promoted peaceful action to advance desegregation, voting and labor rights, and other efforts supporting African American equality.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – A Drum Major for Justice

Under Dr. King’s leadership, nonviolent protest became the defining feature of the modern civil rights movement in America. King first demonstrated the efficacy of passive resistance in 1955–56 while helping to lead the prolonged bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, that succeeded in dismantling bus segregation laws. King’s words were as powerful as his deeds, and his moving and eloquent addresses, which gave hope to millions, continue to inspire people throughout the world.

The legislation to recognize Martin Luther King Day was first introduced in 1968, four days after his assassination. Civil rights activists worked for 15 years for it to be established by the federal government and additional 17 years for it to be recognized by all 50 states. Today it is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities. Read more… https://www.si.edu/spotlight/mlk

King’s Speech, February 9, 2022

King’s Speech, February 9, 2022

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington is one of the most famous speeches in the world. But it almost didn’t happen.

If you look at the typed manuscript of his speech, you won’t find the phrase “I Have a Dream.” But even though Dr. King’s speech was partially improvised, that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t years in the making. In this episode of Sidedoor, we trace the evolution of King’s dream, from a secret friendship to an experimental poem to the speech we all know today.
See the Transcript: https://www.si.edu/sites/default/files/sidedoor_s7_ep._10_kings_speech_final_transcription.pdf

Guests: Kevin Young, Director of Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and W. Jason Miller, Author of Origins of the Dream: Hughes’s Poetry and King’s Rhetoric.

Did you know Martin Luther King Jr.’s first name was originally Michael? Find out the reason for the name change and more surprising facts about King’s life and advocacy.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging all Americans to volunteer. Participate in acts of service within your community today, and learn more about year-round volunteer opportunities with the Smithsonian.

Editor’s Note: I welcome the chance to honor, and share, a great American’s story, words, and impact on Our Nation. He taught us non-violent protesting. Now, this is our time to remember that. Below is a short video I made, old Sora, if Dr. King were here to deliver that speech, today. –DrWeb