The Other America - A Speech from The Radical King
By: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Cornel West - editor
Narrated by: Wanda Sykes
Series: The Radical King
Length: 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-01-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: History, Social Issues
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
Publisher's Summary
In a rousing speech on race, poverty, and economic justice - given less than a year before his assassination - Martin Luther King Jr. drives home the mission behind his Poor People's Campaign. It is a clear-eyed look at the disparity of wealth in America, what it means for people of all colors - and a message of inspiration dedicated to the power of the people.
"And I say, if we will stand and work together, we will bring into being that day when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. We will bring into being that day when America will no longer be two nations but when it will be one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Wanda Sykes' powerful performance delivers King's compassion, outrage, insight, and vulnerability like few others could - and reminds us all of the relevance his words still have today.
"The Other America" is one of 23 speeches and essays from The Radical King, curated by Dr. Cornel West, including words never recorded in public - a revelation for his legacy.
The Martin Luther King Estate has allowed, for the first time, a dramatic interpretation of King's words, by some of the most charismatic and activist actors working today: LeVar Burton, Mike Colter, Colman Domingo, Danny Glover, Gabourey Sidibe, Wanda Sykes, and Michael Kenneth Williams.
"The Other America" excerpt from The Radical King is free of charge to all listeners until Monday, April 2, 2018. To preorder the full, revealing collection, visit www.audible.com/TheRadicalKing.
©2018 All material copyright Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr; all material copyright renewed Coretta Scott King and the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr. Introductions 2015 Cornel West (P)2018 Audible, Inc.
By: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Cornel West - editor
Narrated by: Wanda Sykes
Series: The Radical King
Length: 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-01-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: History, Social Issues
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
Publisher's Summary
In a rousing speech on race, poverty, and economic justice - given less than a year before his assassination - Martin Luther King Jr. drives home the mission behind his Poor People's Campaign. It is a clear-eyed look at the disparity of wealth in America, what it means for people of all colors - and a message of inspiration dedicated to the power of the people.
"And I say, if we will stand and work together, we will bring into being that day when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. We will bring into being that day when America will no longer be two nations but when it will be one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Wanda Sykes' powerful performance delivers King's compassion, outrage, insight, and vulnerability like few others could - and reminds us all of the relevance his words still have today.
"The Other America" is one of 23 speeches and essays from The Radical King, curated by Dr. Cornel West, including words never recorded in public - a revelation for his legacy.
The Martin Luther King Estate has allowed, for the first time, a dramatic interpretation of King's words, by some of the most charismatic and activist actors working today: LeVar Burton, Mike Colter, Colman Domingo, Danny Glover, Gabourey Sidibe, Wanda Sykes, and Michael Kenneth Williams.
"The Other America" excerpt from The Radical King is free of charge to all listeners until Monday, April 2, 2018. To preorder the full, revealing collection, visit www.audible.com/TheRadicalKing.
©2018 All material copyright Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr; all material copyright renewed Coretta Scott King and the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr. Introductions 2015 Cornel West (P)2018 Audible, Inc.
Review:
This short piece added to my thoughts over the events that have flared since the horrible death of George Floyd. Dr. King argues for changes to help persons of color and of poverty (this includes more than just black Americans). He makes a case for reparations based on the history of slavery. The excerpt also reflects that Dr. King was not in favor of violence and I am sure he would not favor looting and destruction.
It is certainly frustrating (and clearly wrong) that the issues and struggles of the poor class, which Dr. King addresses, are little changed 57 years later. Police brutality is wrong but so is a violent response. The problems, in my opinion, are beyond a policing issue and the underlying issue shouldn't get lost in the noise. There have to be better opportunities and policies to address poverty and the accompanying sense of oppression. Dr. King’s words did give me additional information to ponder as I watch for our leaders to seek real reforms and solutions, not unrealistic promises to unfocused demands; not violence, and not more division.
Audio Notes: Wanda Sykes does a good job with the presentation. She brings good energy and passion to the speech. I think audio helps bring these thoughts more power rather than just reading.
Source: 1/21/19 Audible Free. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.
I also agree with your perspective here. Violence is never the answer and Dr. King knew that. I do see that some police reforms are needed, especially with regard to mental health checks and calls (I think there are professionals better suited to those checks and calls). Policing is a problem in more places than we know but it is not the root cause of the issues facing Blacks and the poor. This is a good look at the socioeconomic problems.
ReplyDelete