In most cases, it’s reasonable to expect that groups of protesters will abide by the law. But there are times when doing so diminishes the effectiveness of the protests.
Protesters across the street from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968.
Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons
There are many parallels between 1968 and today: an unpopular war, a vulnerable Democratic presidential candidate and a divided America.
New College of Florida’s board of trustees, including conservative activist Christopher Rufo, on the screen, lower right, at a Feb. 28, 2023, meeting at which they voted to abolish the office that handles diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
There’s a backlash against programs that aim to reverse the effects of systemic racism in the US. A survey indicates that racism is behind that backlash.
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks after being released from prison for leading a boycott.
Donald Uhrbrock/The Chronicle Collection via Getty Images
Hajar Yazdiha, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. knew the political consequences of speaking out against the Vietnam War − and he did it anyway.
In this 1979 photo, Mother Teresa receives the Nobel Peace Prize during a ceremony at Oslo University. At right is the chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, John Sanness. In subsequent years, Mother Teresa has faced criticisms.
(Henrik Laurivik/NTB via AP, File)
Peace can become political when advocates oppose or try to reform governments and societies pursuing hostile foreign relations — or when these societies perpetuate injustice and oppression at home.
Martin Luther King Jr. (bottom right) listens to gospel singer Mahalia Jackson during the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963.
Bob Parent/Getty Images
As the “Queen” of gospel music, Mahalia Jackson sang two songs during the historic March on Washington. But her most famous line may have been a suggestion to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Harry Belafonte used his personal wealth to support young activists throughout his life.
Archive Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Singer, actor and activist died on April 25 at the age of 96. His legacy spans stage, screen and political activism.
Martin Luther King, Jr. leads a group that includes a nun and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel during the Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights march.
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Religious pluralism and social justice were at the core of King’s campaigns – a vision shaped by influences as diverse as Gandhi, the Black church, Greek classics and Buddhism.
The Coretta and Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture at Boston Common is called ‘The Embrace.’
Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
A memorial to Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King Jr. has received stinging criticisms, but time will tell whether ‘The Embrace’ will endure as a cherished work of public art.
Women listen during the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963.
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Bayard Rustin led a long and complicated life dedicated to the fight for equal rights. Targeted by the FBI, Rustin became a close adviser to Martin Luther King Jr.
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. relaxes at home in May 1956 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
As Martin Luther King Jr. gained national prominence, the FBI launched several investigations to prove that King and his radical allies were communist sympathizers and a danger to America.
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. addresses a cheering crowd in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 27, 1965.
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Hajar Yazdiha, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Conservatives have a long history of contorting the words of Martin Luther King Jr. to further political goals at odds with King’s vision of a colorblind society.
Managing Director of the McCourtney Institute of Democracy, Associate Research Professor, Political Science, Co-host of Democracy Works Podcast, Penn State