Today marks the 38th celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Observed every third Monday of January, the holiday marks Dr. King Jr.’s birthday, January 15.
In honor of the holiday, here are five “In Class With Dr. Carr” and Karen Hunter Interviews to watch to educate yourself on the civil rights icon.
The True Legacy of the Civil Rights Icon
In the 46th episode of “In Class With Dr. Carr,” Dr. Carr and Karen Hunter debunk any myths that exist about the revolutionary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
By chronicling the family and career of the activist, the episode analyzes the lessons of the activist, interweaving discussions of modern-day politics. To continue viewers’ learning journey, Dr. Carr supplements his teachings with recommendations and passages from books such as “May We Forever Stand” by Imani Perry to all viewers.
Dr. King As A Writer
When people think about the words of Martin Luther King, Jr, most think of those he delivered during his famous “I Have A Dream Speech.” In this exclusive interview with historian and activist Dr. Frances Berry and Tyler Merritt, Hunter, however, focuses on the last words written by the civil rights leader in “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?.”
Leading off with discussions of “community or chaos,” the episode revolves around the teachings of Dr. King Jr, emphasizing his teachings of non-violent and direct action. Dr. Berry also gives an impassioned analysis of the importance of candidate policies when voting and reforms. The acclaimed writer also ties in “backlash after progress” to historical figures like Callie House, the subject of her 2005 book “My Face Is Black Is True.”
Dr. King and the FBI
Although the F.BI.’s consistent harassment of Dr. King has been well documented, director Sam Pollard’s “MLK/FBI” documentary manages to go deeper into the Hoover-led investigation and its impact on the civil rights leader. In conversation with Hunter and Seena Ghaznavi, Pollard breaks down the FBI’s assault on Dr. King Jr while highlighting the continued surveillance of Black Americans who are considered as “challenging the notion of American democracy.”
History of MLK Day
Wonder how Martin Luther King Jr. Day came to be? In this episode of “In Class With Dr. Carr,” the professors discuss the persistence of Former U.S. Representative John Conyers, Jr. who worked annually since 1968 to pass the bill that made Dr. King’s birthday a national holiday. The episode also discusses Stevie Wonder’s role in the release of “Happy Birthday.” Through conversation and song, the professors emphasize the importance of carrying on the true meaning of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Legacy of Dr. King
In the latest episode of “In Class With Dr. Carr,” Dr. Carr discusses the legacy that Martin Luther King Jr. has left behind in honor of the holiday. Through analysis of Dr. King’s writings, the episode dissects the early days of the civil rights icon and his lasting impact. The episode also traces the legacy of the King holiday. Through the episode, Dr. Carr draws on a variety of books, including Dexter Scott King’s memoir.
