Dr. King's legacy

World Editorial

This article was reprinted from the January 17, 1998 issue of the People's Weekly World. For subscription information see below. All rights reserved - may be used with PWW credits.

On the occasion of what would have been his 69th birthday, millions are recounting their memories of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mothers and fathers are telling their sons and daughters "I remember Dr. King" stories.

Some will tell of his soaring oratory that moved masses to action - and he should be remembered for that.

Some will tell of his indomitable courage - and he should be remembered for that, too.

But, more than anything else, we remember Dr. King for his uncompromising commitment to the struggle for peace, jobs and equality, and his recognition that it would take mass action - and a broad, all-inclusive coalition - to win that struggle.

More to the point, we remember King for recognizing the need for - and constantly fighting for - an alliance between the freedom movement and the labor movement. And, perhaps more than anything else, we remember King for linking the fight against the Vietnam War with the fight for justice and equality.

It was King who helped lead the Montgomery bus boycott in 1958. It was King who braved Bull Connor's police dogs in Birmingham, faced state troopers at Selma and inspired thousands to march on Washington on August 28, 1963. It was King who spoke out against the Vietnam War - and who gave his life in the battle for Memphis sanitation workers to have a union.

The battles that King fought still need to be fought: against an arms race that squanders billions and threatens world peace; for jobs for the millions of unemployed, especially people of color and youth; and against growing economic and social inequality, which includes a militant defense of affirmative action.

We think Dr. King would agree. The times cry out for mass action - for marches and demonstrations - at city halls, state capitols and in Washington.