MLK Day: books to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr

In the United States, Martin Luther King, Jr Day is observed annually on the third Monday in January. The day commemorates the life and work of Dr. King, who was a Baptist minister and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. Here are some important books about the man and written by him.

The day honours King’s legacy and his commitment to achieving racial equality in America through nonviolent protest. It was signed into law in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan and first observed as a national holiday in 1986. However, it was not until 2000 that all 50 states observed the holiday. His birthday also happens to be on January 15th.

The day is marked by educational programmes, commemorative ceremonies, and community service initiatives across the country. It serves as a time to reflect on the progress made in civil rights and the ongoing efforts to fulfill King’s dream of racial harmony and equality for all.

Best books about Martin Luther King Jr.

• 📚 The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr Comes of Age by Patrick Parr. An insightful exploration of Martin Luther King Jr’s formative years, focusing on his theological and philosophical development.
• 📚 The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr by Martin Luther King Jr. A posthumous autobiography, compiling Dr. King’s writings and speeches, providing a personal perspective on his life and work. King also chronicles his experiences with segregation, racism, and the struggle for justice, while also sharing his philosophy of love, nonviolence, and equality.

Read: Martin Luther King Jr book: Jonathan Eig humanises man behind pulpit – review

• 📚 To the Promised Land: Martin Luther King and the Fight for Economic Justice by Michael K Honey. The book explores Dr. King’s dedication to economic equality, highlighting his lesser-known campaigns for labour rights and economic justice.
• 📚 Why We Can’t Wait by Martin Luther King Jr. A powerful reflection on the 1963 civil rights movement, emphasising the urgency and significance of the fight for equality.
• 📚 Strength to Love by Martin Luther King Jr. A collection of Dr. King’s sermons, blending Christian teachings with social consciousness, advocating for love and justice.
• 📚 King: A Life by Jonathan Eig. Read our review of Eig’s fantastic book, which looks at Martin Luther King Jr as a human being, accepting his flaws.

Check out Professor Lewis R. Gordon’s interview on his book Fear of Black Consciousness, and University of East Anglia Professor Tessa McWatt on race and identity.