Besides Activism, MLK Jr.'s Legacy Is One of Ministry

While the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday marks the 30th anniversary as a National Day of Service and reminds Americans of the activist’s civil rights strides, it also recalls King’s work for his fellow man as a clergyman.

Although King’s legacy often conjures up images of his “I Have a Dream” speech and his role as chief spokesperson for racial discrimination in federal and state law and civil society, it was as a pastor that the key figure of the civil rights movement laid his foundation for such landmark achievements. Such efforts are especially relevant as February, Black History Month, approaches.