Martin Luther King III declares social equality for all at Kean University’s Distinguished Lecture Series

By Tasha Dowbachuk | Published by February 13, 2020

The eldest son of the late revered civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., delivered an impactful calling for Kean University students to embrace the concepts of social justice and to empower themselves through the power of voting. 

Martin Luther King III implored Kean University’s students to “rise up” and seize the torch to the future generations into a greater future for the right of advocacy at Kean University’s Distinguished Lecture Series in the North Ave. Academic Building. 

Through the reminiscence of Feb. 9, 1961, he reflects upon the visit his father took to Union campus and expresses the impact of continuing his legacy through the measures of human and social justice and the non-violent approach towards unification around the world. 

He urges to motivate and engage audiences to participate in civic engagement to dismantle the actions of affirmative action and to devote time to address the betterment of all causes, ethnicities, religious groups, sexual orientations, and genders. 

“Everyone has to decide whether or not they want to be engaged [in social issues],” Martin Luther King III said. “You must decide what your passion is and once you find that out you can approach the challenge of how you choose to engage [as an activist].” 

The heart of his presentation rests within the observation of the history constructed within Black History Month and how the heroic revolutionaries within black culture are found under the hidden motives of America’s contribution to chronicles of history.  

“Taxation without representation,” which is described as the act of being taxed by an authority without the benefit of having elected representatives, is displayed as voter suppression for many minority groups in order to silence and exploit their communities.  

“My father used to say, ‘we must make America what it ought to be,’” Martin Luther King III said.  

He proclaims that we as people should not fear the institutionalized agenda pressed upon the people of this nation as long as the participation to generate the evolutionary change needed is reached. 

“We need masses of people to join the efforts of fair fight organizations and to write to our senators and representatives demanding that they help address the issue of voter suppression,” Martin Luther King III said. “With all this wealth and opportunities in this country, all votes need to be recognized and valued within our country in order to combat injustice.” 

After placing a spotlight upon movements such as the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter, he feels as though there is an abundance of diversity that should be reflected by the country and our administration. In his words, the representation within these social groups is essential to pioneer the progression of our country and to showcase awareness. 

He continues by addressing underprivileged communities within America, such as Flint, Michigan, who have yet to receive clean water to consume. He expresses that everyone within the nation deserves the right to quality jobs with better wages, housing, education, and medical care.  

Therefore, one cannot celebrate their victories until they address the economic injustice given to the multicultural society they live in. 

“In order to cultivate the spirit of democracy, I hope that [the year of] 2020 can resolve the discourse of our nation to achieve brotherhood and sisterhood in solidity,” Martin Luther King  III said. “The greatest enforcement is our spiritual strength which creates the foundation we need to remain encouraged for change.” 

---