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In his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. masterfully connected the Civil Rights Movement to the legacy of the Civil War, delivered exactly 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

King challenged the nation to reflect on unfulfilled promises of freedom and equality, declaring that "the Negro still is not free." As many marked the Civil War's centennial with celebrations focused on military valor, King redirected the narrative to highlight the ongoing struggles against segregation, violence, and economic disparity faced by African Americans.

He used the poignant metaphor of “cashing a check” to illustrate that the rights guaranteed by the Constitution had not been honored, likening the promise of freedom to a bad check marked “insufficient funds.” Ultimately, King transformed this commemoration into a clarion call for justice, emphasizing that true remembrance of the Civil War demands action toward genuine equality for all.

In a compelling courtroom argument, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson defended race-based redistricting, likening the plight of minority voters to that of individuals with disabilities prior to the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She emphasized that the Voting Rights Act aims to rectify systemic disenfranchisement, much like the ADA mandates accessibility for people with disabilities.

As she questioned the legality of Louisiana’s congressional map—which includes only one majority-black district—Jackson asserted that the courts must ensure equal access to voting for marginalized communities. Despite pushback from opposing counsel, who argued that race-focused remedies could perpetuate stereotypes, Jackson remained steadfast, advocating for legislative measures that address race-based barriers in the electoral process.

As the Supreme Court hears this pivotal case, a decision is expected by June, potentially reshaping the landscape of voting rights in America.

Martin Luther King Jr. leveraged the star power of celebrities to propel the civil rights movement into the national conversation.

In a strikingly bold strategic move, King enlisted the likes of Harry Belafonte, Marlon Brando, and Jackie Robinson to amplify the struggle against racism, particularly during the pivotal 1963 March on Washington. This collaboration was integral—not just a flash of glamour but a potent force that lent credibility and visibility to King’s vision.



Historian Jimmy Richardson noted that celebrity support added "muscle" to the movement, helping to normalizes King in the public eye at a time when he was often viewed as radical. With stars marching alongside him, King aimed to sway both public opinion and legislative decisions, ultimately contributing to the passage of landmark civil rights legislation.

As these iconic figures stood shoulder to shoulder with King, they helped activate a powerful cultural dialogue that still resonates today.

In her powerful legacy, Coretta Scott King emerges as a dynamic activist beyond her role as Martin Luther King Jr.'s wife.

A new article highlights eight inspiring ways to embody her spirit in today’s struggles for justice. From emphasizing the interconnections of racism, poverty, and militarism to building intellectual partnerships, Coretta's activism was rooted in relentless truth-telling and steadfastness.

She advocated for global peace, stood firm against setbacks, and tirelessly pursued civil rights, believing that justice for one is justice for all. Coretta’s dedication extended to fighting for LGBTQ rights, ensuring every voice resonated in the struggle against oppression.

Her call to action reminds us that true activism involves standing up for the marginalized and creating a more equitable world for everyone. In her nonconformist spirit, we find a model for today’s activists—encouraging us to stay steadfast, articulate our truths, and unite in the fight for collective justice.

In Robin D. G.

Kelley's compelling essay, "The Forgotten Visionary of Reparations," we explore the indelible legacy of Audley “Queen Mother” Moore, a trailblazer in the fight for reparations and Black liberation. As the mastermind behind a pivotal reparations claim filed in 1962, Moore highlighted the generational trauma inflicted by slavery and championed a vision of collective empowerment over mere financial compensation.

Ashley D. Farmer’s new biography, "Queen Mother," paints a vivid portrait of a radical thinker who fused Black nationalism with communism, underscoring the urgency for systemic change.

While reparations discourse seems more mainstream now, Moore’s revolutionary ideas about self-determination and wealth redistribution have been overshadowed. Kelley argues that understanding Moore's holistic approach to reparations is essential as we navigate contemporary conversations about race and justice.

Ultimately, Moore envisioned reparations as part of a broader fight for a just and equitable society, not just a financial fix.

In “Liberal Supremacy And White Supremacy: Different Language, Same Outcomes,” Damon K. Jones critiques the political dynamics affecting Black Americans and highlights the stark reality of their political dependency.

Despite high participation rates, their influence has faltered, as loyalty is often met with stagnation rather than substantive change. While traditional white supremacy explicitly barred Black power, modern liberalism allows symbolic inclusion while effectively managing it, demonstrating a shift from exclusion to moral coercion.

Jones emphasizes the absence of a strategic Black agenda, leading to a lack of leverage in political negotiations. He argues that without clear demands and consequences, Black voters remain managed participants rather than empowered stakeholders.

This insight calls for a reevaluation of political engagement, underscoring that effective advocacy requires a defined agenda where loyalty is transactional, not moral. Ultimately, it challenges readers to recognize the potential collective strength they hold for transformative change.

"Liberty and Limits" dives into the pivotal role of the Black Panther Party (BPP) in shaping gun control laws in California, spotlighting their dramatic 1967 protest at the state Capitol. Founded by Huey P.

Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, the BPP courageously confronted police brutality while advocating for African American rights. Their armed occupation in response to proposed legislation led to the Mulford Act, which restricted open firearm carry, supported even by then-Governor Ronald Reagan.

The documentary reveals how this event not only underscored racial tensions of the time but also shifted California's stance on gun regulations. It challenges the narratives that often paint the BPP as merely violent, illustrating their broader commitment to community self-defense and social programs.

Their legacy remains relevant today, influencing contemporary discussions on gun laws in America.