Eighty-one percent of people say Martin Luther King, Jr. has had a positive impact on the country
A new Pew Research study examines MLK's legacy, but which MLK are folks thinking of?
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Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy 60 Years After the March on Washington (Pew Research)
A recent study conducted by Pew Research shows that 81 percent of survey respondents say Martin Luther King, Jr. has had a positive impact on the country.
This data comes during the lead up to the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington later in August. (Stay tuned to this Substack because I’ll have some dedicated articles about the march!)
Of course there remains the question: “Which Martin Luther King, Jr. are they thinking of?”
Is it the King whose only quote they know is about the color of skin and content of character? Or is it a fully fleshed-out King who opposed the Vietnam War, promoted some sort of universal basic income, and advocated for what we now call affirmative action?
Read HERE for more data from the survey.
Fellowship Southwest plans first-ever conference on compassion and social justice (Baptist News Global)
I’ll be headed to Texas this Fall. If you can make it to Dallas September 8-9, I’d love to see you!
“Fellowship Southwest wants to connect people of faith, passionate about compassion and justice, to challenge, inspire and empower them to be and do better together for our communities and those we serve.”
Graduate and seminary students get 50% off registration. Check out this incredible lineup of speakers!
Black People and Self-Defense
As folks discuss the Montgomery Brawl, the topic of Black people and self-defense has come up. Listen to this interview I did with activist and educator, Charlie Cobb, about his book, This Nonviolent Stuff'll Get You Killed, for some helpful context.
Get the book: Amazon
Get the book: Bookshop
An All-Out Brawl Happened In Montgomery, Alabama This Weekend, And The Internet’s Reaction Has Provided Entertainment For The Next 10 Years (BuzzFeed)
Whatever your opinion on the fighting during the Montgomery Brawl, the memes did not miss. They provided days and days of humor (almost an eternity by social media measures) as Black folks showed out and demonstrated how we can bring laughter into any situation.
Check out a round up of memes and reactions HERE.
I believe The Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Prophet sent to us by God to save our Nation's soul. I watched as he was reviled, persecuted and all kinds of evil was said falsely for fulfilling Jesus' Command to Love Your Enemy. And at his end he rejoiced and was exceedingly glad for he said "My eyes have seen the coming of The Lord." He said "Tonight I am not fearing any man." After a pillow fight with his disciples the night before, and while serenely looking up at the sky the next day, he was murdered, shot dead. But we are still an arrogant nation. And his prophesy was: "We are an arrogant nation. Unless we humble ourselves before God... we will be ruled by a godless nation." Does the 81% see all of this?
Very helpful "links in one place" entry. Catchy name/ title, also! I'll certainly follow the links "trail"! Blessings in Dallas!