By Anthony J. Marsella
Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) is the most important historical figure of the 20th and 21rst centuries, the indisputable enduring icon of modern times. There are many brave individuals whose contributions have advanced the human condition, often with similar tragic personal and social results. However, the more I have studied King’s substantial national and international legacy, the more I have become convinced King is the more than the defining “icon” of our times. His legacy remains an implacable force and influence long after his passing fifty years ago. In my opinion, this is because King assumed many roles and functions whose consequences continue to endure.
The fact is King was (is) more than a relentless courageous civil rights leader whose efforts promoted justice, equality, freedom, and hope for all humanity. He challenged and altered illegal time-endowed values, beliefs, policies, and crimes.
A leader in many roles, King was:
• A minister accustomed to offering inspiring and arousing sermons sensitive to moral issues, especially the failure of idealized religious beliefs and practices to address societal failures and flaws. Reformer!
• An anti-war activist and advocate questioning individual and national pursuits of violence and war. Anti – War Activist !
• A statesman, offering political, economic, and social visions for a “new” world free of oppression and abuse, governed by laws, democratic participation, ethical and moral codes, and personal conscience. Statesman!
• A global leader who liberated citizens around the world from their chains of domestic and foreign governmental oppression. He enlightened minds and aroused souls to use non-violence against oppression. Liberator!
• A living embodiment of human conscience, replete with struggles and pains of abuse and flaws. Conscience!
• A symbol of for justice, especially the role of justice in moderating positive goals like peace, harmony, and accord, and contesting negative repressive actions. Symbol!
• An intellectual well-versed in the historical and situational determinants of individual and national behavior, including pseudo-rationalizations for beliefs and actions. Intellectual!
• A leader capable of mobilizing citizen support of millions across racial and class boundaries in of his beliefs and “dreams,” offering a new vision of what is possible! Visionary!
• A prophet, emerging at a point in history, demanding revolution in thought and actions. Prophet!
King was persecuted and assassinated, much as other revolutionary prophets have been abused and murdered across history. King’s enduring contributions require that he be placed among the prophets. Chart 1 displays some of the King’s roles, functions, and legacies:
CHART 1: REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S
MANY ROLES, FUNCTIONS, AND LEGACIES
