Newly Discovered 1964 MLK Speech

January 18, 2016 11:33 AM

Newly Discovered 1964 MLK Speech on Civil Rights, Segregation & Apartheid South Africa This recording was made by Pacifica Radio's European correspondent Saul Bernstein while Dr. King was in London, days before recieving the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo. Then it was left uncatalogued in Pacifica Radio's archives for some 50 years before being found by the archive's director, Brian DeShazor.
posted by 3urypteris (5 comments total)

Perfect timing. I just got back from the Denver MLK "Marade," which seemed much more vital this year, mostly due to Black Lives Matter wresting the narrative towards actual social justice, like real police accountability, addressing the relentless gentrification that's happening here in the Mile High City, and stopping the war on the homeless. It was a nice change from the usual Democratic party platitudes and hollow Christian schilling for the status quo that the event has been for quite a while. It was the first time I was proud of Denver in a long time, and the day seemed, at least slightly, to be imbued with some of King's actual radical spirit. Now off to listen. Thanks for posting.
posted by talking leaf at 2:06 PM on January 18, 2016 [2 favorites]

What an incredible find! Thank you for posting this.
posted by pjsky at 2:43 PM on January 18, 2016

Why Martin Luther King Didn't Run for President: King considered launching a presidential campaign to oppose military interventionism and promote democratic socialism
posted by homunculus at 5:17 PM on January 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

Ghana has something to say to us. It says to us first, that the oppressor never voluntarily gives freedom to the oppressed. You have to work for it. And if Nkrumah and the people of the Gold Coast had not stood up persistently, revolting against the system, it would still be a colony of the British Empire. Freedom is never given to anybody. For the oppressor has you in domination because he plans to keep you there, and he never voluntarily gives it up. And that is where the strong resistance comes. Privileged classes never give up their privileges without strong resistance.

posted by ChuraChura at 5:34 PM on January 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

"...there are some things in my own nation, and there are some things in the world, to which I am proud to be maladjusted and to which I call upon all men of goodwill to be maladjusted until the good society is realized. I must honestly say to you that I never intend to become adjusted to segregation, discrimination, colonialism and these particular forces. I must honestly say to you that I never intend to adjust myself to religious bigotry. I must honestly say to you that I never intend to adjust myself to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few. I must say to you tonight that I never intend to become adjusted to the madness of militarism...."
posted by tivalasvegas at 6:35 PM on January 18, 2016 [4 favorites]