Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A Call for Unity and Understanding

On the 95th anniversary of his birth, faith leaders and biographers reflect on Dr. King's enduring legacy and the current state of American democracy.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday of every January, with this year marking the 95th anniversary of his birth.
Faith leaders, including Jesse Bradley, pastor of Grace Community Church, and Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, emphasized the importance of unity, understanding, and love in honoring Dr. King's legacy.
Dr. King's niece, Alveda King, criticized current societal issues such as violent protests, the expansion of abortions, and attacks on Israel as betrayals of her uncle's legacy.
Jonathan Eig, author of the biography 'King: A Life', argued that the current state of American democracy does not align with Dr. King's vision, and that the civil rights leader would have remained a radical had he lived longer.
Eig also suggested that the annual King holiday should serve as a reminder of the potential for justice, equality, and nonviolence in America, rather than simply a celebration of Dr. King's life.