"The Other America" (by Dr. King)

As we mark the MLK Day, we'll read and discuss "The Other America," a speech delivered by Dr. King on March 14, 1968. It can be accessed from various sources online, including at the following link below:

https://www.crmvet.org/docs/otheram.htm

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Some questions worthy of further exploration:

• Who is the intended audience of the speech, and has he pursued the audience?

• How does the speech resonate, if at all, during these uncertain and turbulent times?

• How does this speech, centered around the issues of poverty and economic justice, fit into the narrative of the public policy priorities at the time (i.e., "The War on Poverty")?

• Do you find the moral, philosophical, and religious references to be relevant and persuasive?

• What are some the universal or timeless virtues and principles that emerge from the speech?

• Does the speech appeal across today's ideological boundaries, namely the Left and Right? Or do you find the speech to be divisive?

• Finally, do you find his legacy based on peaceful, nonviolent protests to be more relevant than ever?

IMPORTANT: please note the required reading assignment, if you wish to attend.

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Previous MLK Day discussions:

▨ "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (Jan. 2019) (https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Politics/events/257326277/)

▨ "Beyond Vietnam" (Jan. 2020) (https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Politics/events/267382582/)

▨ "I've Been to the Mountaintop" (Jan. 2021) (https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Politics/events/275543234/)