How The Legacy of Martin Luther King is Alive Today

Men Like Bishop Curry Continue His True Mission

Most of us have a wrong impression of Martin Luther King Jr. We know about his “I Have a Dream” speech and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. But we are less familiar with the last part of his life. King became more frustrated with the U.S. government. The Vietnam War and lack of effort about poverty led to him giving fiery speeches whose tone is a far cry from his famous speech. King came to feel that the growing inequality and militarism of the United States was as important as gaining civil rights, “I’ve come to believe we’re integrating into a burning house.”

How The Legacy of Martin Luther King is Alive Today[/tweeetthis]

This integration of civil rights with political revolution was being embodied in the Reclaiming Jesus candlelight vigil last week, led by Bishop Michael Curry. Curry became famous for giving the vows at the royal wedding of Megan Markle and Prince Harry. His speech at the wedding was filled with appeals to social justice and tolerance.

Watch American bishop Reverend Michael Curry's impassioned #royalwedding sermon in full https://t.co/AvFboVauWY

— CNN (@CNN) May 19, 2018

Reclaiming Jesus was accompanied by a manifesto that discusses the importance of opposing militarism, supporting LGBTO rights, and income equality. In an interview before the vigil, Bishop Curry declared that “somebody woke up Jim Crow.” He further explains the deepening divide in the nation is not just racial, but every category of identity.

Beyond the subject area, Bishop Curry targets the same population that King criticized. King argued that part of the delay of rights for black Americans was severely limited not just by structural racism, but the disregard of moderates. Curry is using the public protest to list concerns about America and to drive individuals to make meaningful change.

Christianity is linked to the struggle for civil rights for black Americans. Christianity was initially used as justification for slavery, but become a foundational organizer and spiritual support for fighting racist institutions. While they are not the sole organization responsible for successes, they are highly influential.

Resources

• Huffington Post
• CNN

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