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Martin Luther King Jr.: The Parts We Keep Skipping
- Nonso Nwagbo
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
More than 50 years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the issues he fought against, racism, inequality, and systemic injustice, remain deeply woven into American life. Though he is often remembered through a handful of famous quotes and a single speech, Dr. King’s impact reaches far beyond what is typically taught in classrooms.
No civil rights leader of his era wielded influence quite like Martin Luther King Jr. At a time when segregation was codified into law, King emerged as a central figure in the fight for equality, organizing alongside a broad coalition of activists and freedom fighters committed to justice for Black Americans.
Leadership During the Montgomery Bus Boycott
After Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Dr. King was selected to lead the movement and serve as its public voice. The boycott lasted 381 days, significantly disrupting the local economy. In November 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional, marking a significant victory for the civil rights movement.
Nonviolence as Strategy
One of Dr. King’s most influential contributions was his commitment to nonviolent resistance. This philosophy guided the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), which emphasized disciplined, peaceful protest as a moral and strategic force. King believed that change achieved through nonviolence carried both ethical power and broad public support.
Legislative Impact
Throughout his lifetime, Dr. King championed efforts that helped lead to landmark legislation, including:
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Fair Housing Act of 1968
These laws fundamentally reshaped American democracy and expanded protections for Black citizens and other marginalized groups.
The March on Washington
In 1963, Dr. King helped organize the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which drew over 250,000 participants. The march called for an end to segregation, protection from police brutality, and fair employment practices. It was during this event that King delivered his now-iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
What You May Not Know
All speakers at the march were men; no women addressed the crowd.
Among the speakers were a white labor leader and a rabbi, reflecting the movement’s multiracial coalition.
King had planned to omit the “dream” section until gospel singer Mahalia Jackson urged him to include it.
The speech aired live on ABC, CBS, and NBC many Americans, including President Kennedy, heard King speak in full for the first time.
One year later, the Civil Rights Act became law.
A Legacy Still Unfinished
Just days after Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act. This legislation made it illegal for real estate agents to deny housing based on race, a crucial step toward addressing housing discrimination.
Dr. King’s speeches, books, and writings continue to offer insight into the ongoing struggle for social, economic, and racial justice worldwide. His legacy challenges us not only to remember him but to engage with the work he left unfinished critically.
Learn More
Watch: Kid gives I Have A Dream Speech as Martin Luther King Jr. from Your Kid Professors https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_YoI7JdrgDc
Conclusion
Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month provide an opportunity not just to celebrate Dr. King, but to relearn his history more fully. In doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made and the responsibility we carry forward.
Visit Tellers Untold for more Black history stories often overlooked in schools.
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