Martin Luther King Jr.

6:52am Jan 20, 2020

Race Race Education

Local Universities Continue Tradition Of Celebrating MLK Day Together

by David Ford

On Martin Luther King Day we remember his legacy and King’s dream of a nation void of racism. The day also offers a chance to reflect on where we are now.

Listen
Debbie Elliott / NPR

7:00am May 13, 2018

National National

How A Mule Train From Marks, Miss., Kicked Off MLK's Poor People Campaign

by Debbie Elliott

Martin Luther King Jr. chose Marks as a starting point for the economic justice fight because of the entrenched poverty he saw there. Today, poverty remains a challenge in Marks.
AP

6:01am Apr 07, 2018

National National

50 Years Ago Baltimore Burned. The Same Issues Set It Aflame In 2015

by Brakkton Booker

Riots in Baltimore broke out days after Martin Luther King Jr.'s murder. Segregation and economic tensions led to civil unrest. Those issues were still present in 2015 after the death of Freddie Gray.
8:50am Apr 06, 2018

Arts Arts News Race

Photo Exhibit Marks 50th Anniversary Of The Assassination Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

by Eddie Garcia

The Winston-Salem Urban League is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Listen
5:00am Apr 04, 2018

Books Books Human Interest Politics & Government Race

Understanding Martin Luther King Jr. 50 Years After His Death

by Bethany Chafin

People around the world are remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was killed 50 years ago today. Among them is Dr.

Listen
7:00am Feb 22, 2018

Human Interest Human Interest Religion

Billy Graham's Civil Rights Stance: Theological Principle And Careerist Caution

by David Ford

During much of Billy Graham’s long and influential life, the nation’s best-known Christian evangelist largely kept his distance from volatile political and social issues of the day.

Listen
Andrew DeMillo / AP

11:51am Mar 20, 2017

National National

Arkansas To Split Its Holidays For Martin Luther King Jr. And Robert E. Lee

by Colin Dwyer

Since 1985, the state has celebrated the civil rights icon and Confederate general on the same day. A bill set to be signed into law removes Lee from King's federal holiday, bumping him to October.
Ulf Andersen / Getty Images

6:04pm Feb 05, 2017

National National Arts

Did I Get James Baldwin Wrong?

by Stephen Casmier

The new film I Am Not Your Negro paints a picture of the prophetic writer's racial outlook that challenges the feeling of hope I once found in his words.
Courtesy of Bernard Kleina

5:04pm Jun 18, 2016

Arts Arts

When King Came To Chicago: See The Rare Images Of His Campaign — In Color

by NPR Staff

Fifty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. went north, leading the Chicago Freedom Movement. Bernard Kleina and his camera were there, too — and the former priest walks NPR through his color photos.
David Goldman/AP

11:02am Mar 29, 2016

National National Economy Politics & Government Religion

Atlanta Businesses Again Lead Push Against Social Conservatives

Corporations in Atlanta have a long history of supporting a focus on business, not social conservatives' issues. Now the governor is vetoing a bill that LGBT groups say would lead to discrimination.
AP

4:39pm Mar 20, 2015

National National

'A Proud Walk': 3 Voices On The March From Selma To Montgomery

by NPR Staff

Following the Bloody Sunday crackdown in Selma, Ala., Martin Luther King Jr. called for support across the U.S. People of different races and religions flocked to the state. Three of them look back.

Listen
Temple Israel of Hollywood

3:09pm Feb 26, 2015

National National

In Hollywood, MLK Delivered A Lesser-Known Speech That Resonates Today

by Karen Grigsby Bates

Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. visited Los Angeles and spoke to a standing room-only crowd at Temple Israel. The synagogue honors his legacy by replaying the speech once a year.

Listen