In honor of Black History Month, we’re making it easy for you to learn more about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. through a list of informative, inspiring podcasts. Also check out our 11 all-time favorite films about civil rights.
Words Matter: Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech
Start your day out by listening to MLK’s iconic speech delivered nearly 57 years ago during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which was held in the Nation’s Capital on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 1963.
Interviews with the Dearly Departed: Martin Luther King, Jr
On Purpose is an inspiration podcast produced by award-winning host Jay Shetty.
“This episode is extremely special to me and one I’ve been wanting to deliver to you for a long time,” says Shetty. In this episode King shares the best advice he received from his mother, why we treat others wrong and what your life’s blueprint should include for a meaningful human experience. He also explains his dissatisfaction with the results that followed his famous “I Have A Dream” speech.
BBC Outlook: My Road Trips with Martin Luther King
This BBC podcast tells the story of how Tom Houck, a white teenager, became Martin Luther King Jr.’s driver in 1965. Although King had been awarded the Nobel peace prize the year before the country was still deeply divided. Widespread segregation between the white and African American citizens had just come to an end, but discrimination and racism were still commonplace. The experience deeply inspired Houck, who continues to combine activism and driving in his work now, running Civil Rights Tours Atlanta.
Still Processing: We Celebrate the REAL MLK Day
This episode of Still Processing by The New York Times was recorded to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death in 2018.
“While MLK’s birthday is celebrated on a national level, we spend time processing why his death holds a significant importance as well,” says podcast hosts and culture writers Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham. “We examine the months leading up to MLK Jr.’s death, including his iconic speech, ‘I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,’ and discuss the ways in which his ideals shifted after his ‘I Had A Dream’ speech. MLK day is a celebration of King’s birthday, and we suggest that maybe what we should really be marking is the day of his assassination.”
This four-part series by American conservative political commentator Glenn Beck explores MLK’s life and his legacy. The series is unique for a few reasons — namely because it delves into not only the glorious sides of MLK’s life but also the more divisive, lesser known theories about his personal life. It features audio recordings from King and explores his philosophies on nonviolent protest.
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