TRUTH TELLER: Reflections on The Radical MLK Jr.

As a Black preacher in the rural South, I often find myself at a crossroads—caught

MLK Jr.

between the expectations of traditional oratory styles that demand flamboyant three-

piece suits and all too familiar spray-on hairlines, and the alternative of being

considered a “crazy country preacher” who boldly pushes for liberation while

highlighting the importance of political and social engagement. On the surface, this

represents a choice between popularity and being misunderstood, between

pathologizing authenticity and catering to an audience that prefers comfort over truth.

Being unpopular is often the lot of a truth-teller, a “good trouble-maker,” as the late,

great John Lewis described. In fact, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was speaking so much

truth during the last years of his life that polls indicated he was largely unpopular among

66% of his fellow Americans, including many Blacks and fellow preachers. Yet, King

knew that whether he was liked or hated, the imperatives of truth and love must always

prevail. It is this courage to confront uncomfortable realities that fuels my ministry and

inspires my commitment to justice.

It Takes A Village to Raise a Revolution

As we engage in the vital work of resurrecting the radical legacy of Dr. Martin Luther

King Jr., we must also draw connections to a much older and equally revolutionary

figure: Jesus Christ. Both figures exemplified a powerful commitment to solidarity

among the oppressed—particularly among Black, poor, and working-class

communities—imbuing their respective movements with a purpose that transcends

mere reform. They called for an awakening of class consciousness, uniting the

marginalized in a struggle for justice and economic equity.

Dr. King’s articulation of Black power wasn’t just about racial identity; it was about

collective empowerment. He understood that poverty and exploitation were systemic

issues that could not be addressed without a fundamental challenge to the structures

that perpetuated them. In his relentless critique of capitalism, deeply influenced by

Hegel and Marx, King was not merely a dreamer but a practical advocate for a new

social order predicated on economic justice. It is here that he aligns with the

revolutionary teachings of Jesus, who walked among the disenfranchised and

challenged the status quo.

Christ, with the empowering aid of the Holy Spirit, gave humanity what we can call

“Spirit Power.” He raised the consciousness of his disciples, illuminating the

interconnectedness of their struggles and the divine purpose behind their collective

action. His ministry was centered on the “least of these,” solidifying his message that

liberation is rooted in love and community. In Mark 10:45, He tells us that “the Son of

Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This

edict expressed the central tenet of solidarity—inviting the downtrodden into a

movement of love and resistance.

In a revelatory manner, we learn that when we first seek Spirit Power, we become

awakened to Soul Power—our emotions and intellect become keenly aware of the

injustices around us. This awakening leads us to realizations not only of our problems

but also of our agency and place within the world’s systems, nurturing a deep-seated

desire to live free. It is this engagement of Spirit that informs the exploration of Soul,

and together they galvanize into Black Power—an empowered call for collective action.

It is through the synergy of spirit-filled and soul-awakened people that we can unite in a

holistic fight against oppressive forces.

In the same spirit, figures like James Brown and Aretha Franklin infused the civil rights

movement with a sound to “soul power.” In Acts, as Spirit power was made manifest,

there was a “sound of a mighty rushing wind.” This Soul Power sound was truly a

mighty refreshing wind! The magic that resonates in the rhythms and sultry voices of a

community affirming its existence, its struggles, and its unyielding spirit. They provided a

soundtrack for a people coming alive and becoming aware. Their music was not merely

entertainment or a backdrop for dance moves; it was an agent for revolution, inspiring

activism and a sense of identity that moved beyond mere distraction. Their music

became anthems for the struggle, elevating cries for justice into a collective declaration

of identity.

The voices of Dr. King influenced brothers Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael) to call for

“Black Power,” which recognized that the liberation of Black people and it was inextricably tied to the dismantling of oppressive systems. However, as James Cone highlights, Black

Power is not exclusively a call for only Black people; it is a call for all those who have

been in The Struggle and desire a better tomorrow. Thus, Black Power is synonymous

with people power, love power, progressive power—and revolutionary power. Like Spirit

Power and Soul Power, **anyone** and **everyone** should embrace Black Power.

This holistic call to empowerment strikes fear in those in power, for they understand that

the collective realization of our impact is a direct challenge to their hegemony.

Together, they fostered class consciousness through an awakening of spiritual and

historical understanding among Black individuals. This understanding cultivated a sense

of accountability to one another, reinforcing that one’s liberation is tied to the liberation

of all. This solidarity was revolutionary, moving beyond individual struggles into a

collective fight against the myriad injustices that plague society. The unyielding truth

remains: no one is given freedom in this evil material world. Freedom must be taken

from the oppressors.

The disfigurement of King’s legacy—reduced to non-threatening platitudes by today’s

power brokers—must be confronted. To uphold and reclaim his radical ideology is to

acknowledge the necessity for collective action rooted in emotional and economic

solidarity. It is about awakening the consciousness of the masses, bound together by

our unique and shared histories, driven by a passion for a world liberated from

oppression.

To Serve This Present

Age

Yet, as we stand at this crossroads, we must ask ourselves: who will carry on the legacy

of power sharing in this age? Who will preach Christ’s teachings and embrace the Spirit

Power that fuels collective resilience? Who will sing with with the fire of soul—like

James Brown once did, and Public Enemy did for their generation—evoking

anthems that resonate with the struggles of today?

In our churches, who will rise up as the new prophets—voices unafraid to

challenge the prevailing norms and empower the disenfranchised? We need

leaders who recognize that preaching the gospel is not limited to the pulpit but

extends into the streets; it calls us to engage wholeheartedly in social justice.

There lies an urgent need for modern-day theologians and activists who not only

speak of love but also embody it through actionable justice for the economically

oppressed.

Within the realm of music, who will continue to innovate and uplift, using their

platform to inspire activism? As hip-hop continues to evolve, we seek artists who

carry the revolutionary spirit of Brown and Public Enemy, blending beats with

messages of resistance, class consciousness, and Black pride. These artists

must harness their influence to educate and awaken the masses, using their craft

to forge connections that emphasize shared histories and collective action.

Moreover, we must look for new leaders in activism—individuals willing to push

like King, Kwame Ture, and Fred Hampton for solidarity among Black, poor, and

working-class communities. These leaders must enact new strategies to address

systemic inequalities in our society, rallying together diverse coalitions that

recognize that our struggles are interconnected. The dismantling of oppressive

systems must be a collective effort, grander than the sum of its parts, driven by

the voices of the youth and the wisdom of the elders alike.

As we step forward, let us remember that the fight for justice is ongoing, and we

must cast a wide net to gather the multitude. We are at a pivotal moment, ripe for

the emergence of leaders who will engage with the principles of Spirit Power,

Soul Power, and Black Power in tandem. Together, we can create a society

where all live and love freely, and where greed, hate, poverty, and violence are

diminished.

Ultimately, It is in this interconnected web of power sharing, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to justice that we can effectively reshape our world. Let us carry forth the torch of empowerment, uniting our voices and efforts in a symphony of love, resilience,

and hope for a brighter Today. Love is truly radical.