Testament of Hope by Martin Luther King, Jr
"Testament of Hope" is a comprehensive anthology of the writings, speeches, and interviews of Martin Luther King, Jr., compiled at the request of his widow, Coretta Scott King. The collection is divided into thematic sections, starting with "Religious: Nonviolence," which delves into the theological foundations of King's philosophy of passive resistance, emphasizing the importance of Christian love in the fight for civil rights. Subsequent sections address the practicalities of the Civil Rights movement, the political challenges King faced between democracy and black nationalism, and feature some of his most iconic speeches, including the celebrated "I Have a Dream" and "I've Been to the Mountaintop."
The anthology also includes significant essays, such as the powerful "Letter from Birmingham Jail," where King critiques both staunch conservatives and indifferent moderates who hinder social progress. Interviews with King provide insight into his thoughts and strategies, while the final section encompasses his more formal written works. This compilation not only documents King's evolving philosophy in response to the sociopolitical landscape of America but also highlights his unwavering commitment to nonviolent civil disobedience as a means to achieve racial equality. Overall, "Testament of Hope" serves as an essential resource for understanding the enduring principles and ideals championed by one of America's most prominent civil rights leaders.
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Testament of Hope by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Edited by James M. Washington
First published: 1986
The Work
A Testament of Hope is a compendium of the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr., and of transcripts of some of his better-known interviews, speeches, and sermons, all of which were compiled and published at the request of his widow, Coretta Scott King. The book is divided into subject matter sections and an appendix. The first section, “Religious: Nonviolence,” explores the theological underpinnings of King’s passive resistance philosophy. Because he was connected at an early age with the church, it is not surprising that many of the works in this section focus on the role of Christian love in the struggle for equal rights.
Most of the selections in the second section, “Social: Integration,” are oriented toward the more practical aspects of the Civil Rights movement. Topics include the necessity of passive resistance, the need for eloquent speakers, and the difficulties caused by internal conflicts within the movement.
The third section, “Political: Wedged Between Democracy and Black Nationalism,” addresses the difficulties King encountered while campaigning for immediate change; it was difficult to do so and not to lose the support of moderate and conservative sympathizers. This theme echoes through much of the next section, “Famous Sermons and Public Addresses,” as well. The fourth section contains King’s best-known speeches, including the “I Have a Dream” speech of 1963 and the “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, which was delivered shortly before King’s death in 1968.
The fifth section of A Testament of Hope contains some of King’s best-known essays, including the “Letter from the Birmingham Jail” (1963). In this and the title essay, King impugns not only the staunch conservatives who resist social change but also the apathetic moderates who, King charges, perpetuate social injustice.
The sixth section, “Interviews,” contains transcripts of conversations King had with Kenneth B. Clark, Playboy magazine, Meet the Press, and Face to Face. The sixth and final section contains King’s more formal written works, those that were written as, or developed into, books.
James M. Washington, editor of A Testament of Hope admits that, as a public figure, King sometimes had help with the invention and composition of the works contained in this volume. This collection is valuable, he asserts, not only as a record of what King actually penned, but also of the principles he espoused and the ideals for which he stood. Because each section is arranged chronologically, it is possible to chart aspects of King’s philosophical development. He changed in response to the changing political and social climate of America. His focus, however—the necessity of nonviolent civil disobedience in order to accomplish the greater good of racial equality—remains evident throughout.
Bibliography
Oates, Stephen B. Let the Trumpet Sound: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. New York: Harper & Row, 1982.