Bernice King urges the White House to release Jeffrey Epstein files, paralleling the recent declassification of Martin Luther King Jr. assassination records, amidst political debates and calls for transparency.
The Trump administration has released over 230,000 pages of FBI files on Martin Luther King Jr., despite objections from his family, revealing details of government surveillance and investigation into his assassination, reigniting debates over transparency, legacy, and potential government involvement.
The new National Geographic series "Genius: MLK/X" aims to humanize the iconic figures of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre, by emphasizing their humanity and vitality as young men, rather than their status as symbols of civil rights and social progress. Executive producer Gina Prince-Bythewood expressed the desire to take the characters "off the T-shirts and make them real and tangible for an audience."
National Geographic's "Genius" series, Season 4 titled "MLK/X," explores the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, aiming to present a more comprehensive view of the two iconic figures and their wives. The series, a departure from its singular focus, delves into the meeting of the two men and their differing approaches to seeking justice. Showrunners Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood emphasize the importance of both men and their wives, aiming to humanize and connect with the audience. The series aims for historical accuracy and features a "think tank" of scholars and activists.
A woman accused of attempting to burn down the historic birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta, Georgia has been denied bond. The judge cited the nature of the crime and the defendant's unstable place of residence as reasons for the decision. The woman, identified as Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, was seen on video pouring gasoline onto the porch and windows of the historic property. She has been charged with attempted arson and interfering with government property. The home is currently closed to visitors due to renovations.
Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., to mark the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I have a dream" speech. The event, organized by the National Action Network and the Drum Major Institute, aimed to continue King's vision and address ongoing issues such as systemic racism, hate speech, police brutality, and the erosion of voting and reproductive rights. While the crowd size was smaller than in 1963, the event showcased progress with a more diverse lineup of speakers and a broader range of issues highlighted.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with organizers of the 1963 March on Washington and the family of Martin Luther King Jr. on the 60th anniversary of the historic event. The meeting will take place in the Oval Office, echoing the meeting between President John F. Kennedy and King on the morning of the march. Biden will also speak at a reception commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. This year's commemoration comes at a challenging time, with threats to voting rights, affirmative action, and abortion rights, as well as growing political violence and hatred. Biden and Harris are working to advance King's dream of equal opportunity through executive orders and legislation, while highlighting the benefits of their policies for Black Americans.