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Playlist: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024

Compiled By: PRX Editors

 Credit:
Curated Playlist

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 15, 2024. We will continue to update this playlist.

New in 2024

SPECIAL ISeeU EPISODE: MLK Day- Seeing (Me) Is Believing with author Tami Charles

From I See U with Eddie Robinson | Part of the I SEE U with Eddie Robinson Specials series | 53:30

When Tami Charles’ son was in kindergarten, he asked her: “If Dr. King was such a good guy who wanted all these wonderful things for everyone, Mommy, why did the bad guys hurt him?” She knew then that she would need some tools to talk about racism to a young child. So, the former New Jersey school teacher, penned an award-winning children's book to help her navigate through the intense conversations with her son - like THE TALK, about how Black children must learn how to interact with the police to make sure they survive.

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As we honor and pay tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this national holiday weekend, many Black American parents are taking this opportunity to educate their children—and have THE TALK, an unguarded conversation about racism, discrimination and the richness of Black culture.

 

Those sometimes difficult conversations served as inspiration for children's book author, Tami Charles – who wrote and used her own New York Times best-selling picture book, "All Because You Matter," as a springboard to navigate through the intense dialogues she's had with her son.

 

Join Host Eddie Robinson as he chats candidly with acclaimed writer, Tami Charles. The former New Jersey schoolteacher sheds light on the obstacles she's experienced as a woman of color who found it even more of a challenge to maneuver through the children's book industry.

 

Her latest book, "We Are Here," celebrates the extraordinary history of trailblazers, including Dr. King, who sacrificed their lives in hopes of building a better future for all people.


Classic Specials

1963: A Man's Dream, A Nation's Nightmare

From WFIU | Part of the Night Lights Classic Jazz: Specials series | 59:01

An hour-long jazz special:
It was a year of raised hopes and devastating tragedy, and the world of jazz continued to reflect both the growing unease and the youthful vitality of a nation in transition. We’ll hear the music of John Coltrane, Jackie McLean, Eric Dolphy, and others.

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The year was 1963, and in America the civil-rights movement continued to gain momentum in the face of turmoil and violence, culminating in Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, even as ugly rhetoric prevailed from foes such as Alabama governor George Wallace , who proclaimed in his inaugural address, “Segregation now,segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever.” In South Vietnam Buddhist monks burned themselves to death in protest against the country’s regime, and the Cold War continued apace, even though the United States and the Soviet Union signed a treaty limiting nuclear testing and established a communications hotline between the two nations. United States president John F. Kennedy proposed sweeping civil-rights legislation, but he would not live to see its passage; both he and civil-rights activist Medgar Evers would be assassinated in 1963. With America already entering a period of volatility and change, what was happening in the world of jazz?

1963, the year in jazz

Ironically enough, in such a time of upheaval, two of the most popular, iconic, and romantically laidback albums of modern jazz history were released—both named simply after the two primary musicians on each date, and recorded within a week and a half of each other in March. We’ll hear from tenor saxophonist John Coltrane and singer Johnny Hartman in this first set–Hartman a rather obscure figure by 1963, and Coltrane a star who had just come through a period of controversy after his exploratory directions had gotten him labeled “anti-jazz” by a critic from DownBeat Magazine...

READ MORE ON THE WEBSITE: https://indianapublicmedia.org/nightlights/1963-mans-dream-nations-nightmare.php

King's Last March

From American Public Media | Part of the American RadioWorks: Black History series | 59:00

Although it was one of the most challenging and controversial chapters of his career, the final year of King's life has not been the focus of significant public attention. This dramatic and illuminating documentary uses a rich mix of archival tape, oral histories and contemporary interviews to paint a vivid picture of what may have been the most difficult year of Dr. King's life.

Img073_small On April 4th, 1967 Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a landmark speech from the pulpit of Riverside Church in New York. He called for an end to the Vietnam War. Exactly one year later, King was assassinated in Memphis. He was 39 years old. King’s speech in New York set the tone for the last year of his life. Inside the church, he was hailed for his brave, outspoken stance against the war. Outside the church, he was roundly condemned – by the mainstream press, by other civil rights activists and, most decidedly, by President Lyndon Johnson.

This documentary traces the final year of King’s life. It was one of the most challenging and controversial chapters of the civil rights leader’s career, yet it has not been the focus of significant public attention. For many, the image of King is of a social and political leader at the height of his powers – especially the period up through 1965.But that's not the way he was viewed in the last year of his life.

This program illuminates the profound personal, psychological and philosophical challenges King faced in his last year. In this time, King tried to gain support for his Poor People’s Campaign, fended off fierce critics inside and outside the civil rights movement, and endured an increasing sense of despair and isolation. King's Last March offers listeners a complex view of a man trying to push his philosophy of non-violence to a conclusion many people found more threatening than the dream he described on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial five years before his death.

MLK: Three Landmark Speeches

From Good Radio Shows, Inc. | Part of the Peace Talks Radio: Weekly Hour Long Episodes series | 59:00

Three key speeches of American civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Martin Luther King Junior are excerpted and commented on by two leading King scholars.

King_small Peace Talks Radio producer Paul Ingles interviews two leading King scholars, asking each to pick speeches from those years to focus on.    You’ll hear from the late Dr. Vincent Harding, Professor of Religion and Social Transformation at Illiff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado and a personal friend and speech writing colleague of Dr. King in the 1960’s.  (Dr. Harding died in May of 2014 about 6 months after this interview)  Also mixed into our program, you’ll hear Dr. Clayborne Carson, who at Coretta Scott King’s request, has been directing the King Papers Project since 1985. Dr. Carson established the Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute at Stanford University in 2005.  The speeches these scholars chose were… King’s last address, the night before his assassination in Memphis in April, 1968.  Also, the speech he made a year to the day before he was killed, called “Beyond Vietnam,” in which Dr. King came out publicly and explicitly in opposition to the Vietnam War. And from March of 1965, Dr. King’s remarks that he made at the conclusion of the Selma to Montgomery marches, considered a turning point in the struggle for Voting Rights and equality for African Americans.

Link to SELMA TO ALABAMA SPEECH (1965):   http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/encyclopedia/documentsentry/doc_address_at_the_conclusion_of_selma_march/

Link to BEYOND VIETNAM SPEECH (1967):  http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkatimetobreaksilence.htm

Link to BEEN TO THE MOUNTAINTOP SPEECH (1968):  http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm

King Stories: (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)

From Dorothy Green Alcorn | 54:26

King Stories is a one hour documentary of captivating stories told by close friends and associates of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Host Julian Bond, along with insiders—Ralph Abernathy, David Garrow, Dick Gregory, Mark Lane and Larry Williams—share rarely documented stories about the personal and private sides of Martin Luther King, Jr.

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King Stories  is a one hour documentary of captivating stories told by close friends and associates of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Host Julian Bond, along with insiders—Ralph Abernathy, David Garrow, Dick Gregory, Mark Lane and Larry Williams—share rarely documented stories about the personal and private sides of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Notably one of the most significant Americans in the 20th Century, Dr. King is an iconic figure. But who was the man? King Stories offers snapshots into his personality and character. We begin with Dr. King’s precocious teenage years followed by close-ups of behind the scenes accounts of day-to-day life on the road marching and protesting for American black civil rights. We hear a moving account of Dr. King’s last conversation just minutes before he was struck down by a sniper’s bullet, and the disclosures of the investigation into his murder.

All Mixed Up with Martin Luther King Jr.

From Peter Bochan | Part of the All Mixed Up series | 58:43

A Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr and the historic March on Washington that took place in August 1963, with new mixes featuring Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Ingrid Michaelson, Eleanor Roosevelt and a children's choir from Newtown on "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".

Mlk_washington_1963_small Join Martin Luther King Jr on "A Shortcut Back to Washington 1963" with the voices, sounds and music that was popular as activists marched on Washington, including Mahalia jackson, "Little" Stevie Wonder, the Rooftop Singers, JFK, Walter Cronkite, the Four Seasons, Peter, Paul & Mary , Pete Seeger and 4th Grade Students from the Hudson Valley, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole blended with Eleanor Roosevelt, Ingrid Michaelson featuring students from Newtown, John Lennon and the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir, John & Yoko (Africa Mix) [feat. Rokia Traore], Moodswings and much more

A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood: A Musical Journey in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

From WQXR | 58:00

In this hour-long special from WQXR and WNYC, host Terrance McKnight interweaves musical examples with Dr. King's own speeches and sermons to illustrate the powerful place that music held in his work--and examines how the musical community responded to and participated in Dr. King's cause.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up listening to and singing church songs, and saw gospel and folk music as natural tools to further the civil rights movement.

In this hour-long special from WQXR and WNYC, host Terrance McKnight interweaves musical examples with Dr. King's own speeches and sermons to illustrate the powerful place that music held in his work--and examines how the musical community responded to and participated in Dr. King's cause.

Terrance McKnight is WQXR's Evening Host. He came to WQXR from WNYC, which he joined in 2008. He brings to his position wide and varied musical experience that includes performance, teaching and radio broadcast. An accomplished pianist, McKnight was also a member of the Morehouse College faculty, where he taught music appreciation and applied piano.

The King of Love: A Short History of the Civil Rights Movement

From Dred-Scott Keyes | 01:30:13

An audio collage of the struggle for civil rights, focusing on the role of Dr. Martin Luther King.

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"The King of Love: A Short History of the Civil Rights Movement" is an audio collage of Martin Luther King Jr. and the events that shaped his life and death.

The Children of Children Keep Coming

From Connecticut Public (WNPR) | 51:01

Through story and song, author Russell Goings has adapted his epic poem “The Children of Children Keep Coming” into an hour-long spoken word performance that delineates and celebrates the too often unsung African American cultural history.

Goings_small Through story and song, author Russell Goings has adapted his epic poem “The Children of Children Keep Coming” into an hour-long spoken word performance that delineates and celebrates the too often unsung African American cultural history.  His inspiration comes from friendship of iconic collagist Romare Bearden and from the voices of the ancestors.

Infused with the improvisational feel of jazz, this program celebrates the soulful spirits of ancestors through Goings’ masterfully poetic prose.  Narratives of historical figures Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass and Phillis Wheatley intertwine with mythic characters Evalina, Banjo Pete and Black Tiny Shiny to tell the important story of the African American heroic journey.  

With introduction by acclaimed Tony Award winning Broadway actor Brian Stokes Mitchell, the radio adaptation of “The Children” will be available for broadcast on public radio stations nationwide starting Black History Month, February 2010.  It is the first part of a yearlong audio and lecture series exploring African-American narratives through art and storytelling, in partnership with WNPR – Connecticut Public Radio and Fairfield University.


Russell Goings graduated with honors from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1959.  He briefly played professional football, and then headed to Wall Street to become the first African-American brokerage manager for a New York Stock Exchange member firm.  Later, he became the first black owner of an investment firm, which managed the assets of some of the world’s largest companies along with many legendary athletes and entertainers.  He was founder of Essence Magazine and became the chairman of the Studio Museum in Harlem.  Goings is an inductee into the Wall Street Hall of Fame.  He spent thirteen years writing the “Children”, studying under Pulitzer Prize nominee and Fairfield University poetry professor Kim Bridgford. 

Martin Luther King, Jr (A Musical Remembrance)

From Howard Burchette | Part of the Jazz Time series | 01:05:59

This one hour musical program commemorates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The play-list consists of some of the world's greatest Jazz musicians who composed and performed compositions to this great legend. Some of the music is rare and this would a splendid program to air on your radio station during the week of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday.

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Martin Luther King, Jr (A Musical Remembrance) contains performances buy some of the greatest Jazz legends of all time who honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr . The program includes Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Cecil Payne, Max Roach and others.

This will be a musical treat – air Martin Luther King, Jr (A Musical Remembrance)

Martin Luther King, Jr. (Happy Birthday Dr. King)

From Howard Burchette | Part of the Soul Roots series | 01:02:29

This one hour musical program commemorates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Some of the music is rare and this would a splendid program to air on your radio station during the week of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. (Happy Birthday Dr. King) contains performances by some of the greatest music icons of all time who honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr . This play-list includes Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Stevie Wonder, The Staple Singers, Mahalia Jackson, Moms Mabley, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Solomon Burke, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Bobby Womack and others.

This will be a musical treat – air Martin Luther King, Jr. (Happy Birthday Dr. King)

Blues & Beyond #289: Songs and Stories For MLK Day: "Blues In The Mississippi Night"

From WXPN | Part of the Blues & Beyond series | 59:00

Music and stories for MLK Day, including the secret session "Blues In The Mississippi Night"

Msnight_small In this hour of The Blues & Beyond, songs and stories that connect with the spirit of the Martin Luther King Day holiday. We'll hear from Sam Cooke, The Neville Brothers, and Johnny Copeland, as well as his daughter Shemekia Copeland, and from B. B. King, and others, including Big Bill Broonzy. We'll hear some of Broonzy's remarkable 1947 talking and singing session with Memphis Slim and John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, recorded by Alan Lomax, but not issued until many years later, and even then with their names initially disguised - because it just wasn't safe for them otherwise. The session is known as "Blues In The Mississippi Night," and I'll talk with Bob Riesman who wrote the breakthrough biography of Big Bill Broonzy in 2011 about it as well.

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Peace Talks Radio: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Path To Nonviolence (59:00/54:00)

From Good Radio Shows, Inc. | Part of the Peace Talks Radio: Weekly Hour Long Episodes series | 59:01

Martin Luther King Jr.'s journey to a philosophy of nonviolence and his lasting legacy as a peace proponent is recalled in interviews with his daughter, the late Yolanda King, and one of King's top colleagues in the civil rights movement, Dr. Dorothy Cotton. This program is also available in a 29:00 version at PRX.

Yolandaking_small IMPORTANT: Please have your local announcer read the following script before and after this show. "The following (preceding) program, featuring an interview with Yolanda King, the daughter of the late Martin Luther King Jr., was recorded in 2004. Yolanda King died, at the age of 51, May 15, 2007." PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Two women with very close ties to Martin Luther King Jr. reflect on how King developed into one of the great moral and political philosophers of the 20th century and how his philosophies might still guide the world through troubled times today. Dr. Dorothy Cotton was the highest ranking female in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, founded by Dr. King. From 1960 to 1972 Dr. Cotton was the educational director for SCLC and worked very closely with Dr. King. The late Yolanda King was the eldest daughter of Dr. King. She was an internationally known motivational speaker and actress whose personal mission in life was to inspire positive social change and world peace. Ms. King died in May of 2007 at the age of 51. Ms. King and Dr. Cotton were interviewed separately in 2004 by phone by show host Carol Boss. The entire program includes about 15 minutes of excerpts from talks by Dr. King, along with music by U2 ("Pride in The Name of Love") and 1960's recordings by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Freedom Singers. Newscast Compatible (but airing a newscast will pre-empt a compelling King speech clip). Program is split into two parts that can be run as separate half hours. The two 29 minute parts can stand alone and are separated by a minute long music bed. A 29:00 version of the program is also available on PRX: http://www.prx.org/piece/3124

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.- Assassination and Legacy

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr- a Rewind series series | 55:00

In this- the sixth and final program in this series about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the assassination and legacy.

Masssey-king-book_small In this- the sixth and final program in this series about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the assassination and legacy. Throughout the series we’ve heard the inspirational and radical words and ideas of Dr. King- today the reaction to his death- and some thoughts about his legacy.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.- The Massey Lectures

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr- a Rewind series series | 54:59

The voice, the stories and the passion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s been more than forty years since he was assassinated, but his words still ring strong and his message still stirs. In this program, King’s Massey lectures, which first aired in 1967 on the CBC Radio program Ideas. His title was "Conscience for Change."

Masssey-king-book_small The voice, the stories and the passion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s been more than forty years since he was assassinated, but his words still ring strong and his message still stirs. In this program, King’s Massey lectures, which first aired in 1967 on the CBC Radio program Ideas.  His title was "Conscience for Change." Today King’s thoughts on young people- especially hippies, protestors and radicals.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.- I Have a Dream

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr- a Rewind series series | 55:00

In the third of six programs that honour Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the speech that brought him to national attention- I Have a Dream. Also, the first of five half hour lectures that Dr. King gave on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in late 1967.

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In the third of six programs that honour Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the speech that brought him to national attention- I Have  Dream.  It was August 1963, and the occasion was the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. There were more than two hundred thousand people in the crowd and the speech galvanized, heartened and stirred them. But its impact went far beyond the people who were there that day- it is considered one of the greatest speeches in history. Also, the first of five half hour lectures called "Conscience for Change" that Dr. King gave on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in late 1967.  

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.- A Portrait of Atlanta 1962

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr- a Rewind series series | 54:59

Today on the second of six programs honouring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a portrait from 1962 of the city of Atlanta. It was the birthplace Dr. King and became one of the first southern cities to become de-segregated.

Masssey-king-book_small Today on the second of six programs honouring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a portrait from 1962 of the city of Atlanta. It was the birthplace of Dr. King and became one of the first southern cities to become de-segregated. Listen to this fascinating period piece of a city caught up in the sweep of history.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr- A Documentary from 1962

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr- a Rewind series series | 54:59

A documentary from 1962 about Martin Luther King Jr. It presents a compelling portrait of a young Baptist preacher who was determined to change the world through non-violent tactics.

Masssey-king-book_small A documentary from 1962 about Martin Luther King Jr. It presents a compelling portrait of a young Baptist preacher who was determined to change the world through non-violent tactics. This is the first of six programs that reflect on Dr. King's legacy.

Dear Martin: Jazz Tributes to Martin Luther King Jr.

From WFIU | Part of the Night Lights Classic Jazz: Specials series | 59:04

Perfect for Black History Month (February)or MLK Day (January), Night Lights presents this one-hour program of jazz tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martinking_small "Dear Martin" is a program of jazz tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King was a jazz fan, and eloquently expressed his admiration for the music in his opening remarks to the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival. The program features music from Oliver Nelson's 1969 album Black, Brown and Beautiful; Nina Simone's performances of "Sunday in Savannah" and "Mississippi Goddam," from a concert taped just three days after King's death in 1968; Blue Mitchell's "March on Selma"; Duke Ellington's "King Fit De Battle of Alabam"; Mary Lou Williams' "Tell Him Not to Talk Too Long"; and two 1970 recordings from Louis Armstrong. Night Lights is available as a weekly program from WFIU Public Media. Contact: cboyce@indiana.edu for subscription information. Producer David Brent Johnson also maintains a widely read jazz blog at: http://nightlights.blogs.wfiu.org

A March to Freedom: Martin Luther King

From Loyola Productions, Inc. | Part of the Kaleidoscope series | 44:36

On the anniversary of his birth, the life and work of the civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His own voice and words make this a meaningful biography in sound.

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With recordings of King such as his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, Kaleidoscope remembers the profile of this influential American.


*See "Timing and Cues" for suggested edits, if any, for call letters, date/series info, etc.

*This program originated on analog tape using non-digital source material. Some tape hiss and record pops should be expected.

A Shortcut To The Mountaintop

From Peter Bochan | Part of the Shortcuts series | 29:27

Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Mix

Martin_luther_king__jr A tribute to Martin Luther King Jr, featuring many of his most famous speeches mixed with music from Stevie Wonder, The Freedom Singers, Jimmy Cliff, James Taylor, Nina Simone, Bill Lee/Branford Marsalis, Moodswings,U2 and more---

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Path To Nonviolence -29:00 Version (Peace Talks Radio Series)

From Good Radio Shows, Inc. | Part of the Peace Talks Radio: Weekly Half Hour Episodes series | 29:01

Martin Luther King Jr.'s journey to a philosophy of nonviolence and his lasting legacy as a peace proponent is recalled in interviews with his daughter, Yolanda King, and one of King's top colleagues in the civil rights movement, Dr. Dorothy Cotton. This program is also available in a 59:00 version available at PRX.

Yolandaking_small IMPORTANT: Please have your local announcer read the following script before and after this show. "The following (preceding) program, featuring an interview with Yolanda King, the daughter of the late Martin Luther King Jr., was recorded in 2004. Yolanda King died, at the age of 51, May 15, 2007." PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Two women with very close ties to Martin Luther King Jr. reflect on how King developed into one of the great moral and political philosophers of the 20th century and how his philosophies might still guide the world through troubled times today. Dr. Dorothy Cotton was the highest ranking female in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, founded by Dr. King. From 1960 to 1972 Dr. Cotton was the educational director for SCLC and worked very closely with Dr. King. The late Yolanda King was the eldest daughter of Dr. King. She was an internationally known motivational speaker and actress whose personal mission in life was to inspire positive social change and world peace. Ms. King died in May of 2007 at the age of 51. Ms. King and Dr. Cotton were interviewed separately in 2004 by phone by show host Carol Boss.  A newscast compatible 59 minute version of this program is available at PRX: http://www.prx.org/piece/3123 Promos for this program are also contained at the site for the 59:00 version.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Massey Lectures #5

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Black History Month series | 29:26

The year was 1967 and Martin Luther King, civil rights leader, Baptist preacher and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, agreed to deliver the prestigious Massey lectures on CBC Radio. His title, was "Conscience for Change." Although these lectures were recorded more than forty years ago, King’s words have lost none of their relevance as we still try to come to terms with many of the same issues.

Mlk_small In November 1967 Martin Luther King delivered the Massey lectures on CBC Radio. The Masseys are a prestigious annual broadcast in which a noted Canadian or international scholar gives a weeklong series of lectures on a political, cultural or philisophical topic. King's title was "Conscience for Change." In the lectures, he talked about race relations, the war in Vietnam, youth and social action and non-violence as a tactic for social change.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Massey Lecture #4

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Black History Month series | 29:02

In November 1967 Martin Luther King delivered the Massey lectures on CBC Radio. The Masseys are a prestigious annual broadcast in which a noted Canadian or international scholar gives a weeklong series of lectures on a political, cultural or philisophical topic. King's title was "Conscience for Change." In the lectures, he talked about race relations, the war in Vietnam, youth and social action and non-violence as a tactic for social change.

Mlk_small In November 1967 Martin Luther King delivered the Massey lectures on CBC Radio. The Masseys are a prestigious annual broadcast in which a noted Canadian or international scholar gives a weeklong series of lectures on a political, cultural or philisophical topic. King's title was "Conscience for Change." In the lectures, he talked about race relations, the war in Vietnam, youth and social action and non-violence as a tactic for social change. It’s introduced by Ken Haslam.

Martin Luther King Jr. Massey Lecture #3

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Black History Month series | 29:33

In November 1967 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the Massey lectures on CBC Radio. The Masseys are a prestigious annual broadcast in which a noted Canadian or international scholar gives a weeklong series of lectures on a political, cultural or philisophical topic. King's title was "Conscience for Change." In the lectures, he talked about race relations, the war in Vietnam, youth and social action and non-violence as a tactic for social change.

Mlk_small In November 1967 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the Massey lectures on CBC Radio. The Masseys are a prestigious annual broadcast in which a noted Canadian or international scholar gives a weeklong series of lectures on a political, cultural or philisophical topic. King's title was "Conscience for Change." In the lectures, he talked about race relations, the war in Vietnam, youth and social action and non-violence as a tactic for social change.

Martin Luther King Jr. Massey Lecture #2

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Black History Month series | 29:33

It’s been more than forty years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, but his words still ring strong and his message still stirs. Today the second of five Massey lectures by Dr. King. They first aired in 1967 on the CBC Radio program Ideas. His title was "Conscience for Change."

Mlk_small In November 1967 Martin Luther King delivered the Massey lectures on CBC Radio. The Masseys are a prestigious annual broadcast in which a noted Canadian or international scholar gives a weeklong series of lectures on a political, cultural or philisophical topic. King's title was "Conscience for Change." In the lectures, he talked about race relations, the war in Vietnam, youth and social action and non-violence as a tactic for social change.

Martin Luther King Jr. Massey Lecture #1

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Black History Month series | 29:34

It was November 1967 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the featured lecturer at Canada's prestigious annual Massey lectures. King's title was "Conscience for Change." In the lectures, he talked about race relations, the war in Vietnam, youth and social action and non-violence as a tactic for social change.

Radioone_pressreleasesize_small In November 1967 Martin Luther King delivered the Massey lectures on CBC Radio. The Masseys are a prestigious annual broadcast in which a noted Canadian or international scholar gives a weeklong series of lectures on a political, cultural or philisophical topic. King's title was "Conscience for Change." In the lectures, he talked about race relations, the war in Vietnam, youth and social action and non-violence as a tactic for social change.

James Brown Saves Boston

From Michael May | 09:16

On April 5, 1968, the country was reeling from the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., the night before. Riots had broken out in several cities. In Boston, James Brown was scheduled to play to a sold-out crowd at the 14,000-seat Boston Gardens. It had the potential to be a flash point for rioting right in the heart of downtown Boston.

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On April 5, 1968, the country was reeling from the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., the night before. Riots had broken out in several cities, and many more were teetering on the edge of chaos.

In Boston, James Brown was scheduled to play to a sold-out crowd at the 14,000-seat Boston Gardens. It had the potential to be a flash point for rioting right in the heart of downtown Boston.

Music journalist Tom Vickers, 18-years-old at the time, was one of the few white people with a ticket to the concert that night. He grew up in Boston, and was a huge fan of R&B music. He was well aware how much tension there was between whites and blacks in the city.

For the most part, whites stayed in south Boston and blacks stayed in a neighborhood called Roxbury. "If you were black and found on the streets of Southie," he remembers, "you were lucky to make it home alive. And frankly, the inverse was true in Roxbury. If you were white and walking the streets there, you could feel the danger. It was palpable."

The tension had been escalating in the mid-60s as the city began to desegregate its public schools. The mayoral race in 1967 pitted a liberal reformer, Kevin White, against Louise Day Hicks, an opponent of desegregation. Hicks ran under the evasive slogan "You know where I stand." White won the race by less than 12,000 votes.

So Boston's race relations where already on a short fuse when the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., was shot and killed on April 4. John "Jabo" Starks, the drummer in James Brown's band, was headed to Boston when he heard the news. "That was such a tragedy," says Starks. "It was sad, and it was shameful. It was like I was drained. You try to better yourself, and then this happens."

Riots broke out across the country, and some feared Boston would be next. Vickers remembers there was some rioting in Roxbury Friday night, but it was quickly stopped -- "yet there was ongoing fear that there would be massive rioting," he says. "Whites were worried that the African American community would spread to other neighborhoods in Boston and just tear up the place."

In fact, city leaders were terrified that the James Brown concert could bring the violence right into the heart of downtown. Mayor Kevin White and Boston's first black city council member, Thomas Atkins, debated whether to cancel the concert. In a forthcoming VH1 documentary about that night, White says: "His concert -- we thought it could bring as many as 20,000 black people, young people, into the city. It just had too much emotion in it. That would be a problem."

Council member Atkins had worse fears. "I said, 'Kevin, you are doing exactly the wrong thing,'" Atkins remembers. "If the black community hears that the city stopped James Brown from performing, all hell will break loose."

The city had only a few hours to find a compromise.

Meanwhile, Vickers went to a somber memorial for King that afternoon. After, he went to the Boston Gardens and asked a policeman if the show was still going to happen. "He said, 'Yeah, it's going to happen, but if I were you, I would turn in your tickets and get a refund,'" says Vickers. "And I said, 'Why would I want to do that?' And he said, 'It's going to be edgy here. You should return your tickets. Here's the good news, they are going to broadcast the entire show on WGBH.'"

The mayor held a press conference to encourage people to stay home and watch the concert. Vickers cashed in his tickets at the box office, as did thousands of others.

That night, around 9 p.m., Brown walked on stage at the Boston Gardens -- and the mayor was by his side. White addressed the crowd of around 2,000 and a row of television cameras. "I'm here tonight, like all of you, to listen to James," White told the crowd. "But I'm also here to ask for your all help. I'm here to ask you to stay with me as your mayor, and make Dr. King's dreams a reality in Boston.

"This is our city, and our future is in our hands -- today, tomorrow and the days that follow. So all I ask you tonight is this: is look each at other, and pledge that no matter what any other community might do, here in Boston, we will honor Dr. King's legacy in peace."

And with that, Brown, dressed in all black, grabs the microphone and takes over. Starks was on the drums. He said that as soon as he dug into the groove the intense sadness he was feeling lifted. "I love to play," he says, "because any problems are vented. I don't hear, see, think of anything, because I'm playing that music. It's a relief for me."

Vickers and his family crowded around the TV and watched in amazement. "James Brown always gave his all," he says. "But that night, there was an emotional edge to it. He seemed totally present, in the moment, and giving 110 percent."

Then, just as James Brown donned his golden cape, a young man jumped on stage. And in an instant, a white police officer rushed in and threw the man back into the audience. It looked like the beginning of a riot -- a riot that the entire city of Boston would witness on live television. The band stopped playing.

"They were just venting anger," says Jabo Starks. "They just wanted to be close to him, but I know when police started to throw them off stage, it became touchy."

Brown told the police officers to leave and shook hands with another teenager who had jumped on stage. Suddenly fans swarmed the singer. "It was almost at a point where something bad was going to happen," says Starks. "And he said 'Let me talk to them.' He had that power."

Within minutes, the Godfather of Soul cleared the stage with these words: "You're making me look bad... You're not being fair to yourself or your own race. I asked the police to step back, because I figured I could get some respect from my own people. It doesn't make sense. Now, are we together or we ain't? Hit the thing, man... one-two-three." And the band kicked back in.

That night, there was rioting in more than 100 U.S. cities. Dozens of people were killed. Huge areas of Newark, N.J., Detroit and Washington, D.C., went up in flames. But Boston remained quiet.

Remembering "I Have a Dream"

From Rebecca Sheir | 05:41

We know what history books say about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech - but what about the people who were there?

_01 Rebecca Sheir talks with Washington, D.C., locals -- including the now-late activist/politician/professor Julian Bond -- about how it felt watching Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, live, at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Secret Advisor

From WNYC | 07:38

The names of many of Reverend Martin Luther King Junior’s associates are well known: Harry Belafonte, Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young. But one of his most important confidants, a Jewish business man from New York named Stanley Levison, has remained largely hidden from public view. From what we know about him, Levison probably would have wanted it that way.

Default-piece-image-2 The names of many of Reverend Martin Luther King Junior’s associates are well known: Harry Belafonte, Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young. But one of his most important confidants, a Jewish business man from New York named Stanley Levison, has remained largely hidden from public view. From what we know about him, Levison probably would have wanted it that way.

Martin Luther King remembered in Bimini, Bahamas

From Jake Warga | 03:25

Just 50 miles from the coast of Florida in the Bahamas is the tiny island of Bimini. Home of the fabled fountain of youth, it was once known for it’s rum-running during American prohibition. Now Bimini is a tourist destination, a popular spot for fishing and diving. One local islander, a boat-builder and fishing guide took many notable folks out on the water through the years, including Dr. King. Ansil Saunders shares his reflections on dining with King and the boat trips he took him on.

111017_028_small Just 50 miles from the coast of Florida in the Bahamas is the tiny island of Bimini. Home of the fabled fountain of youth, it was once known for it’s rum-running during American prohibition. Now Bimini is a tourist destination, a popular spot for fishing and diving. One local islander, a boat-builder and fishing guide took many notable folks out on the water through the years, including Dr. King. Ansil Saunders shares his reflections on dining with King and the boat trips he took him on.

In the Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. in Europe

From Phillip Martin | Part of the Standing Up To Hate in Europe series | 07:20

A German activist describes how MLK influenced her life and her life-long struggle against right-wing extremism.

Swastika_small Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Europeans have seen a steady resurgence of Neo-Nazi and anti-immigrant activities. While a great deal of attention has been focused on racist "skinheads", particularly in the eastern half of Germany, Sweden, and in Russia, far less attention has been paid to a loosely defined grass-roots, ANTI-racism Movement that has surfaced across the continent. Activists are working largely unseen to counter the proponents of hate. It is their story that I report in this four-part series titled "Standing Up To Hate in Europe". Part One: In the Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. a German activist describes how MLK influenced her life and her life-long struggle against right-wing extremism and anti-Semitism. 7 min, 19 sec. Phillip Martin, Reporter.

The Strange Music of Mother King

From KFAI Minneapolis | Part of the 10,000 Fresh Voices series | 05:05

Composer Dameun Strange has loved opera ever since he was a little kid. For over 25 years, he struggled to compose an opera of his own. Now Strange has teamed up with other black artists to create a new opera about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s mother — Alberta. But writing the music wasn’t easy. KFAI’s Nancy Rosenbaum reports.

Mother_king_opera_photo_small Composer Dameun Strange has loved opera ever since he was a little kid. For over 25 years, he struggled to compose an opera of his own. Now Strange has teamed up with other black artists to create a new opera about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s mother — Alberta. But writing the music wasn’t easy. KFAI’s Nancy Rosenbaum reports.