MLK: I've Been To The Mountaintop!

Dr. King expresses a profound desire to live in the current historical period, despite its challenges. He recounts a hypothetical scenario where God offers him a choice of any age to live in, and he chooses the second half of the 20th century, recognizing that while the world is troubled, it is also a time of significant change and opportunity for greater awareness and progress, especially in the fight for freedom and human rights.

King emphasizes that the present era forces humanity to confront long-standing problems like war and peace, and the urgent need to address poverty and neglect among colored peoples worldwide. He states that the choice is no longer between violence and non-violence, but rather non-violence or non-existence, highlighting the critical nature of the struggle.

Dr. King asserts that the meek days of silent suffering are over. He calls for unity, likening it to the power of slaves uniting against Pharaoh, and stresses that the core issue is injustice and the unfair treatment of sanitation workers in Memphis. He recalls past victories in Birmingham, achieved through nonviolent direct action, even against police dogs and fire hoses, demonstrating the resilience of the movement.

King addresses the injunctions against their protests, declaring them illegal and unconstitutional. He champions the right to protest and assemble, fundamental to American ideals. He also praises the ministers who are actively involved in the struggle, stating that true preachers must articulate the aspirations of the people and challenge injustice, not merely concern themselves with spiritual matters in abstraction.

Dr. King highlights the collective economic power of Black Americans, noting their annual income surpasses that of many nations. He advocates for economic boycotts against companies that practice discrimination, urging people to shift their patronage to Black-owned businesses and banks to build a stronger economic base and exert pressure for fair treatment. He specifically calls for boycotts against Coca-Cola, Sealtest milk, and Wonder Bread.

King urges unwavering commitment to the struggle, emphasizing that they must see it through. He encourages a "dangerous unselfishness" by recounting the Parable of the Good Samaritan. He reinterprets the story to highlight that the priest and Levite might have been motivated by fear for their own safety. The Good Samaritan's question, "What will happen to him if I do not stop to help?" is the guiding principle for those supporting the sanitation workers.

King shares a personal anecdote about being stabbed in New York and surviving. He expresses gratitude that he didn't "sneeze" then, as it allowed him to witness and participate in pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement, including student sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and the struggles in Albany, Birmingham, and Selma. He concludes with a prophetic statement about facing difficult days, but declares he has "been to the Mountaintop" and seen the Promised Land, reassuring his followers that they will reach it, even if he may not.