The Constitutional and Moral Philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, January 16, 2023, we pay tribute to Dr. King by discussing his historical legacy and constitutional and moral philosophy through his key writings, speeches, and intellectual and moral inspirations and influences. Guests Christopher Brooks, professor of history at East Stroudsburg University, and Hasan Kwame Jeffries, associate professor of history at Ohio State University, discuss some of Dr. King’s most seminal writings and speeches and talk about the key texts, ideas, and writers that influenced Dr. King’s life and work, from Christianity and the Bible, to civil rights figures like Howard Thurmond. Host Jeffrey Rosen moderates. 

Read and listen to the primary texts discussed: 

• Dr. Martin Luther King, “Address Before the New York State Civil War Centennial Commission,” Sept. 12, 1962 (Video | Transcript | Draft)
• Dr. Martin Luther King, “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963
• Dr. Martin Luther King, “I Have a Dream” speech, August 28, 1963 
• Dr. Martin Luther King, “Beyond Vietnam – A Time to Break Silence,” April 4, 1967 
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community (1967) 

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You can find transcripts for each episode on the podcast pages in our Media Library.