Throughline Bonus: The Forgotten Mothers of Civil Rights History
May 17, 2022
Anna Malaika Tubbs, a sociologist and author of "The Three Mothers," sheds light on the often-overlooked mothers of civil rights leaders. She reveals how Alberta King, Louise Little, and Burtis Baldwin shaped their sons' lives and the broader movement. Tubbs discusses Alberta's emotional journey as MLK Jr.'s mother and the enduring legacy of love and resilience from Louise and Burtis. This enlightening conversation calls for a reevaluation of historical narratives, emphasizing these women's crucial roles in advancing societal change.
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Alberta's Erasure
- Anna Malaika Tubbs visited MLK Jr.'s birthplace, noticing the lack of attention given to his mother, Alberta King.
- Although the house was Alberta's childhood home, the tour guide focused on MLK Jr. and his father.
Alberta's upbringing
- Alberta King, born in 1903, grew up in a family deeply involved in social justice and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
- She actively participated in marches, boycotts, and was an early NAACP member, prioritizing education for social change.
The Marriage Bar
- Alberta King's career aspirations were cut short by the Marriage Bar, a law preventing married women from working outside the home.
- This forced her to choose between family and career upon falling in love with Michael King (later Martin Luther King Sr.).
