Remembering MLK

Move on Up a Little Bit Higher: A Tour of the African American History Museum

Just a stone’s throw from where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, there’s a new landmark – one that people are lining up around the block to see. It’s the National Museum of African American History and Culture. About 10 percent of its nearly 3,000 artifacts are related to religion, so we sent our producers Ruth Morris and Abigail  Holtzman to have a look. Featuring Yolanda Pierce, Director of the Center for African American Religious Life at the NMAAHCTulani Salahu-Din, Museum Specialist at the NMAAHC.

“Precious, Go Tell Our Story”

Amirah Muhammad’s grandfather was a leader of the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad. But to Amirah, he was just her grandfather. For years she held onto a necklace that he had given to her grandmother, Clara. She shares her memories of them, and walks us through the difficult decision to give up this family heirloom that meant so much. Produced by Abigail Holtzman.

Rev. Dennis Wiley: Carrying Rev. King’s Message Further

Our guest, Dennis Wiley currently serves as pastor at Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ.  Reverend Wiley’s connection to Martin Luther King runs deep; he fought to make Martin Luther King’s birthday a national holiday in the early 80s, and he marched in the very first parade honoring Rev. King. As racial tensions worsen and the nation’s first black president hands over the White House to Donald Trump, we asked him–What would Rev. King say today?

Beyonce Takes Us to Church

We’re ending our tribute to King with a nod to the Queen…you know, Beyonce? Her 2016 album, Lemonade, has been called “fiery, insurgent and fiercely proud.” But for Yolanda Pierce, it’s more than that. For her, it reminds black women that even if their own religious traditions fail to “see” them, they are still reflected in the divine.  Yolanda Pierce is a Professor of African American Religion and Literature at Princeton Theological Seminary.  This  essay was originally published in Religion Dispatches.


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