Author: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Publisher & Date: HarperOne, 7 Dec 1990
Page Count: 736 pages
ISBN: 978-0060646912
Age/Reading Level: Ages 11+/Grades 7+
Representation: Black history, Civil rights
Other Information:
Book Information
Timeless, legendary, and urgently necessary: The only major one-volume collection of Martin Luther King Jr.’s writings, speeches, interviews, and autobiographical reflections
This comprehensive and renowned volume takes readers inside the mind of one of the most important civil rights and religious figures of all time: Martin Luther King Jr. With precision and passion, A Testament of Hope explores this leader’s thoughts on non-violence, social policy, integration, black nationalism, the ethics of love and hope, and so much more.
Offering both a call to action and a profound sense of comfort, A Testament of Hope inspires us to keep fighting for radical change and combating the racial inequalities that still plague our society today. Through deep love and compassion, this beloved activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient paves a new way forward through his signature persuasion and unparalleled humility. Included in this five-part volume are 57 selections from Dr. King’s entire catalog of speeches, sermons, essays, and interviews. Including:
· “Love, Law, and Civil Disobedience” (1961) and “Hammer on Civil Rights” (1964)
· “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” (1963) and “A Time to Break Silence” (1967)
· “A Christmas Sermon on Peace” (1967) and the plethora of ways religion impacted the way King led, and peacefully resisted
· Considerable excerpts from each of King’s own five published books: Stride Toward Freedom, The Strength to Love, Why We Can’t Wait, Where Do We Go from Here, and The Trumpet of Conscience.
King’s legacy brilliantly lives on across these pages, allowing us—and generations to come—a chance fully comprehend one man’s prophetic ideals on peace and justice. Collectively, we can change the world. This pertinent, powerful book shows us how.
“We’ve got some difficult days ahead, but it really doesn’t matter to me now because I’ve been to the mountaintop…And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Challenges & Bans
No specific challenges or bans noted for this title.
Awards & Accolades
Whereas this book specifically did not win awards, the speeches contained within are part of the body of words and works that earned Dr. King numerous awards and accolades. In 1957 Dr. King was awarded the NAACP Medal. In December 1964 Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1965 the American Jewish Committee awarded him the American Liberties Medallion for his lifetime of work for human rights, as well as recognizing his exceptional service in the cause of liberty and justice. Giving Dr. King the award solidified the strong Black-Jewish partnership in the Civil Rights Movement. In July of 1977 President Carter posthumously awarded Dr. King the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honor in the United States. President Carter issued the Medal in recognition of Dr. King’s profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement, desegregation, voting rights, and racial equality.
