King’s historical memory found the roots of revolution in the best of American political traditions. The student led sit-in movement renewed the civil rights struggle and launched the student movement.
Civil Rights Era articles on Democracy Chronicles
The Civil Rights Era encompasses the time of the mass American social movement following World War II, whose goal was to end racial segregation and discrimination against black Americans and enforce their constitutional voting rights. Also see our section on American democracy or see more general articles on Civil Rights, African-Americans, or Minority Voting.
Martin Luther King’s Revolution of Values
King envisioned a revolution of values, a freedom revolution that would destroy the institutionalized structures of oppression. This revolution took shape in current social movements but was also deeply rooted in the American past.
Martin Luther King Jr. and the Beloved Community
The beloved community evoked a world based on community values of mutual aid and cooperation, the recognition of interdependence, shared responsibility and respect freely given.
Confidence and Purpose or Fear and Fatalism?
It is hard to believe that age-old problems like race and war can be surmounted or the catastrophes of climate change avoided. Without a rhetorical strategy that can promote purpose and confidence, fear and fatalism will weaken our efforts.
Martin Luther King Jr’s Nonviolent Strategy
King placed civil disobedience within a framework consistent with the inside/outside strategy. The disruptive nature of direct action and the process of negotiations are part of the same strategy.
The Real and Rhetorical Strategies of Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King was one of the few political leaders, then or now, that was able to articulate a coherent political strategy that emerged from and connected with on-the-ground social movement activism.
VIDEO: Talking Creedence Clearwater Revival Autobiography
Creedence Clearwater Revival leading man John Fogerty reflects on a life creating political music
Push, Pull, Pivot: On Electoral Strategy
There is no threat of exit without somewhere to exit to. It is, after all, what we do that matters, not what the politicians or candidates do. Consider adopting the strategic sense of Martin Luther King.
Towards A Transformative Electoral Strategy
The inside/outside strategy, first and foremost, requires a shift in outlook and consciousness. The lesser of two evils, non-voters and protest voters need to start acting like we are all part of a movement.
Lessons From the New Black Panther Documentary
A fresh look at the surprising contemporary relevance of newly released Black Panther documentary