By Voice & Viewpoint Staff
Fiction: King abandoned nonviolence in his last years
Fact: Dr. King consistently advocated for nonviolence throughout his life, viewing it as the most effective strategy for achieving social justice. In the years leading up to his death Rev. Lewis Baldwin, a historian on King says “he was looking for more radical means of nonviolence” such as stopping traffic and having demonstrators tie themselves to pillars of congress, “but he never gave up on nonviolence,” Baldwin asserts.
Fiction: King was a Republican
Fact: Dr. King did not publicly endorse any political party. While his father, Martin Luther King, Sr., was briefly a Republican, Dr. King focused on policies and actions rather than party affiliations, often criticizing both Democrats and Republicans for their shortcomings on civil rights.
Fiction: King’s first name is Martin
Fact: In 1934, after visiting Germany and becoming inspired by Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther, Michael King, Sr. changed his own name to Martin Luther King,Sr. and changed his five-year-old son’s name to Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s original birth certificate states his name at birth as Michael King.
Fiction: King believed in “colorblindess”
Fact: While Dr. King dreamed of a future where character mattered more than skin color, he acknowledged the deep complexities of race and systemic inequalities.
Fiction: King was solemn and serious all the time
Fact: Those close to the leader knew King’s lively and humorous side—he loved soul food, R&B music, and loved telling jokes, earning him a reputation as the comedian of the civil rights movement among his inner circle.
*Sources contributed to this article include CNN and The Washington Post
