Crucibles and Leadership - MLK Jr. Profile: Chapter 1: Family & Childhood

Crucibles and Leadership - MLK Jr.
Profile
Chapter 1: Family & Childhood

-Lived in the hub of Atlanta’s black community
-Father was a well-respected pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, a prominent black church
-Described by MLK Jr. as a man of genuine Christian character, deeply committed to moral and
ethical principles, never hesitating to tell the truth and speak his mind, however cutting it may be
-Mother instilled a sense of self-respect, despite a system that said you are “less than” and “not
equal to”
Chapter 2: Encounter with Racism

-When MLK Jr. was six years old, a white playmate’s father suddenly forbade his son to play
with King any longer.
-“I will never forget what a great shock this was to me.
- “From that moment on, I was determined to hate every white person.”
- “My parents told me I should not hate the white man, and that is was my duty as a Christian to
love him. How could I love a race of people who hated me? This was a great question in my
mind for a number of years.”
Chapter 3: Morehouse College

-Followed father’s footsteps to matriculate at Morehouse College in Atlanta at age 15
-Found Morehouse to be intellectually challenging
-Strongly influenced by Benjamin Mays, president of the college, and George Kelsey, professor
of philosophy and religion, to combine his deep-seated faith with an intellectual rigor and
develop these instruments to serve humanity in the capacity of a minister
- “I felt a sense of responsibility which I could not escape. My call to ministry was an inner urge
calling me to serve humanity”
Chapter 4: Crozer Theological Seminary & Boston University School of theology

-Pursued graduate training in divinity, setting him apart from the vast majority of Baptist
ministers (at that time, fewer than 10 black Baptist ministers had formal seminary training)
-Although initially uncomfortable at a still majority-white school, he began developing close
relationships and earning the respect of his classmates and professors, from whom his practice
sermons drew a wide audience
-Eventually became valedictorian and class president
-Introduced to nonviolent resistant teachings of Gandhi, which produced an ideological shift. “I
had despaired of the power of love in solving social problems. I thought the only way to solve
our problem of segregation was an armed revolt.”
Chapter 5: Marriage & Career

-Married Coretta Scott, a like-minded thinker that there is a purpose and plan for each person’s
life, and there are forces working in the universe to bring about good and to create a community
of love and brotherhood.
-MLK Jr. graduates and seeks out a pastorate that would not only be personally rewarding but
also give him an opportunity to work towards improving the conditions of the black masses
-Although he enjoyed living in an academic atmosphere, this did not coincide with his
commitment to work for his people
-Ministry was his dominant interest, and in spite Coretta’s preferences to live in the north, he
said “I am going back south. I am going to live in the South because this is where I am needed.”
-Launched his career as the pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
Chapter 6: Bus Boycott & the MIA

-Public life in Montgomery was marked by segregation, with the public bus system becoming a
flashpoint of resentment in the black community
-On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for violating city and state ordinances on the
bus lines
-On the day of Parks’ trial, a one-day boycott of buses were organized – MLK Jr. was involved
through an impromptu meeting of community leaders
-Following Parks’ conviction and fine of $14, the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA)
was formed and its leadership determined
- “In a matter of minutes, I was unanimously elected.”
Chapter 7: Initial Leadership Crucibles

-Despite initial success of the boycott, events chipped away at MLK Jr.’s confidence and
optimism
-When discussions with Montgomery city and bus officials broke down, some members of the
MIA started to challenge his contribution to the cause and his effectiveness as a spokesman,
calling him the “chief stumbling block” to progress
-Discouraged, MLK Jr. sought to resign, saying “I would be the last person to want to stand in
the way of a solution to the problem which plagued our community.”
-With a unanimous vote of confidence, the executive board made clear that they would follow
his leadership to the end
-Coretta supported MLK Jr.’s presidency of the MIA – “My devoted wife has been a constant
source of consolation to me through all the difficulties. While she had certain fears and anxieties
concerning my welfare, she never allowed them to hamper my active participation in the
movement. I am convinced that if I had never had a wife with the fortitude, strength, and
calmness of Corrie, I could not have withstood the ordeals and tensions surrounding the
movement.”
Chapter 8: Breaking Point

-Threatening phone calls and letters began arriving for MLK Jr. shortly after the start of the
boycott, numbering 30-40 per day, many in earnest
- “Soon I felt myself faltering and growing in fear. One day, my white friend told me he had
heard from reliable sources that plans were being made to take my life. For the first time, I
realized that something could happen to me.”
- One night at a mass meeting, MLK Jr. said, “If one day you find me sprawled out dead, I do not
want you to retaliate with a single act of violence. I urge you to continue protesting with the
same dignity and discipline you have shown so far.”
-The phone call was the breaking point. MLK Jr. prayed, “Lord, I’m down here trying to do
what’s right. I’m here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But I’m weak, faltering, losing
my courage, and afraid. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them
without strength and courage, they too will falter. I am at the end of my powers, I have nothing
left. I’ve come to the point where I can’t face it alone.”

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Crucibles and Leadership - MLK Jr.

Chapter 1: Family & Childhood

Chapter 2: Encounter with Racism

Chapter 3: Morehouse College

Chapter 4: Crozer Theological Seminary & Boston University School of theology

Chapter 5: Marriage & Career

Chapter 6: Bus Boycott & the MIA

Chapter 7: Initial Leadership Crucibles

Chapter 8: Breaking Point

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