Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is recognized as one of the most influential individuals in history. Not only did he fight for the civil rights of Black Americans during the 1960s, but King also advocated for individuals in Vietnam experiencing the harsh realities of war. Although murdered in 1968, King’s messages of nonviolence and hope continue to resonate. Here are three books written by the civil rights activist that can help you get to know his philosophy and motivation.Â
Strength To Love
Love is the foundation of everything. Scripture even describes God as being love. Dr. King understood the importance of charity and kept it at the center of his fight for justice.
In Strength To Love, readers gain insight into how deeply King believed in the power of nonviolence. They will also be challenged to reconsider what drives them to want to see justice in our nation and world. This book is a great read for those who want to get involved in politics.Â
Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos Or Community?
There was more to Dr. King than protests and public speeches. Not only did the Baptist pastor fight for the marginalized of his day, but he also envisioned a future where no one would be left to grapple with the realities of poverty.
In Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community?, King delivers what turns out to be his final manuscript. The civil rights activist shares his final thoughts about race relations in the United States as well as his belief about there being enough resources in the world to eradicate poverty. This is a great read for those who enjoy listening to voices from the past and comparing them to current events.
A Testament Of Hope: The Essential Writings And Speeches
Those who want to read some of King’s most impactful sermons and speeches may want to consider this book. A Testament Of Hope: The Essential Writings And Speeches includes the civil rights activist’s “Letter From A Birmingham Jail” (1963), “Love, Law, and Civil Disobedience” (1961), and many other gems.Â
This is a great pick for those interested in learning more about Dr. King. Individuals who want to better understand the civil rights activist’s philosophy of nonviolence may especially benefit from this primary text.
What Suits Your Boat?
Strength To Love – for those interested in texts not often bolstered by the public.
Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos Or Community? – for those interested in understanding King’s mentality near the end of his life.
A Testament Of Hope: The Essential Writings And Speeches – for those looking for an anthology of King’s writings.