The nation celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day this week, honoring what would have been his 93rd birthday. In this special episode of We the People, we examine King’s thinking about the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as well as his views on agape and universal love, and more, through a close reading and analysis of some of his most significant speeches and writings.

Joining host Jeffrey Rosen are two of the nation’s leading experts on civil rights and American history. William Allen is emeritus dean and professor of political philosophy at Michigan State University and Hasan Kwame Jeffries is associate professor of history at The Ohio State University, where he teaches courses on the civil rights and Black Power movements. 

Speeches and writings discussed include:

• “An Experiment in Love,” A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches, by Martin Luther King Jr. (1958)

King’s essay discussing the concept of agape and how it undergirds nonviolent resistance.

• “Pilgrimage to Nonviolence,” by Martin Luther King Jr. (1958)

King’s essay explaining the intellectual and philosophical influences that led him to embrace agape and nonviolent resistance.

• “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” by Martin Luther King Jr. (April 16, 1963)

King's seminal open letter — written from a jail in Birmingham, Alabama — on civil disobedience, justice, and the ethics of violating unjust laws.

• “I Have A Dream,” by Martin Luther King Jr. (August 28, 1963)

King's iconic speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial about civil rights, freedom, and equality

• “Our God is Marching On,” by Martin Luther King Jr. (March 25, 1965)

King’s speech at the conclusion of the marches from Selma to Montgomery

• “Beyond Vietnam,” by Martin Luther King Jr. (1967)

King’s speech at New York’s Riverside Church condemning the Vietnam War

• “Where Do We Go From Here?” by Martin Luther King Jr. (1967)

King’s speech on the future of the civil rights movement, given at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

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