Dream and Legacy: Dr. Martin Luther King in the Post-Civil Rights Era - Hardcover

by Michael L. Clemons (Editor), Donathan L. Brown (Editor), William H. L. Dorsey (Editor)

With contributions by:

Rosa M. Banda, Michael L. Clemons, Lakeyta M. Bonnette-Bailey, Donathan L. Brown, Hannah Firdyiwek, Alonzo M. Flowers III, Helen Taylor Greene, William G. Jones, Athena M. King, Taj'ullah Sky Lark, Jamela M. Martin, Marcus L. Martin, Byron D'Andra Orey, Amardo Rodriguez, Audrey E. Snyder, James L. Taylor, Leslie U. Walker, and Jason M. Williams

This book examines how Martin Luther King's life and work had a profound, if unpredictable, impact on the course of the United States since the civil rights era. A global icon of freedom, justice, and equality, King is recognized worldwide as a beacon in the struggles of peoples seeking to eradicate oppression, entrenched poverty, social deprivation, as well as political and economic disfranchisement. While Dr. King's work and ideas have gained broad traction, some powerful people misappropriate the symbol of King, skewing his legacy.

With unique, multidisciplinary works by scholars from around the country, this anthology focuses on contemporary social policies and issues in America. Collectively, these pieces explore wide-ranging issues and contemporary social developments through the lens of Dr. King's perceptions, analysis, and prescriptions. Essayists bring a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to social policies and current issues in light of his ideals. They strive to glean new approaches and solutions that comport with Dr. King's vision.

Organized into three sections, the book focuses on selected issues in contemporary domestic politics and policy, foreign policy and foreign affairs, and social developments that impinge upon African Americans and Americans in general. Essays shed light on Dr. King's perspective related to crime and justice, the right to vote, the hip hop movement, American foreign policy in the Middle East and Africa, healthcare, and other pressing issues. This book infers what Dr. King's response and actions might be on important and problematic contemporary policy and social issues that have arisen in the post-civil rights era.

Author Biography

Michael L. Clemons is professor of political science and African American studies at Old Dominion University and founding editor of the Journal of Race and Policy. He has published numerous articles and books focusing on related topics including the civil rights movement, voting rights, social movements, and African American participation in the global arena. Donathan L. Brown is vice provost for faculty diversity, associate professor of communication studies, and former US Fulbright Scholar at Northeastern University. He has published several books and articles on issues pertaining to voting rights, immigration reform, and official language policy, among other areas. William H. L. Dorsey is professor emeritus of sociology and African American studies at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. He has served as associate director for the Journal of Race and Policy.