April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America
by Michael Eric Dyson
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Book Summary Information
Author: Michael Eric DysonEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-03-31
ISBN: 0465002129
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Basic Civitas Books
Book Reviews of April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America
Book Review: Moments that shine and others that fail miserably
Summary: 3 Stars
I was eager to read Mr. Dyson's book with the hope to gain further insight into Dr King's legacy and last days. In the opening chapter, a riveting scene is drawn of Dyson's father as the news of Dr King's death came over the airwaves. One can feel the air being sucked from their lungs as if being caught off guard with a punch. Mr. Dyson's prose puts you there in the moment.
That was perhaps the high point of his writing. I found his use of of the term "automortology" to be overly repetitive and found myself at times saying out loud, "I get it". This was annopying at times, but easy to overlook. Although he did offer much insight into King's mindset at the end of his days, it was his treatment of the successors that left me feeling cheated.
How he could make the arguments for Jesse Jackson by making unfounded accusations against Hosea Williams and Dr Abernathy made me sick. As a resident of Atlanta, I had the privilege of seeing Uncle Hosie ,a giant in the movement for civil rights, live out his final days. Always serving, always giving, always fighting for those without a voice. Hosea Williams was an honorable man and the accusation that his rage at Jackson's lying was fueled by jealousy is disgusting. His rage was at the lies being told by Jackson moments after his leader and friend had been murdered.
Let's compare the integrity of Hosea Williams to that of Jesse Jackson. Hosea Williams followed Dr King's lead and lived a life that fought for the underserved regardless of his personal interest. Jesse Jackson uses every opportunity for personal enrichment. The use of donations to his Rainbow Coalition to fund hush money for his mistress and his child born to her is well documented.
Which one has integrity? If Mr. Dyson's book been written on April 5, 1968 I would give him the benefit of not knowing what we know now about the lives of the two men. Unfortunately it wasn't so he should know better.
Although, these chapters of the book made me angry I still encourage you to read it because the good out weighs the bad. The anecdote about King's last meal alone is worth the price of the book.
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