This blog was written by Rebekah Gonzalez in 2024 and has been updated to reflect current information.
There are few leaders in American history as memorable as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Born on January 15, 1929, he is highly regarded as one of the most influential people to take part in the Civil Rights Movement. His commitment to racial equality and his unparalleled gift for oration have made a lasting impact on our nation, and his words have resonated long after his tragic death in 1968.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I invite you all to revisit the words of his iconic "I Have A Dream" speech through the lens of today's current events. The tumult and divisiveness we face as a nation feels insurmountable, but Dr. King's words remind us that even a country divided has hope for a better future.
Upcoming Events
We also offer additional events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy. Please join us!
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection is a special collection of materials related to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. It features books, videos, and audio recordings, all of which can be checked out by library customers. The collection is located on the Third Floor of the King Library and features a special gallery of photos and newspaper clippings, forming a timeline of Dr. King's life.
History of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Thirty-five years ago, the San Jose Public Library renamed our San Carlos Street main library location the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Library. A quick search through the library’s online San Jose Mercury News archive, and you’ll find the story of the renaming of the main library.
Read More In Our Historical Blog
Recommended Reading
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Lisbeth Kaiser
Designed specifically for preschool comprehension, a board book introduction to the influential civil rights activist and speaker chronicles his early years, religious leadership and history-shaping work to promote equality for all people.
I Have A Dream
An illustrated edition of Martin Luther King's famous "I have a dream" speech.
Sitting In, Standing Up by Diane C. Taylor
Sitting In, Standing Up: Leaders of the Civil Rights Era tells the story of one of the most tumultuous and important eras in American history through the lives of five major figures of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s: Thurgood Marshall, Fannie Lou Hamer, Martin Luther King, Jr., Ella Baker, and John Lewis. Hands-on activities, essential questions, text-to-world connections, and links to online resources encourage readers ages 12 to 15 to explore how the work of these people sparked the passion of a nation and helped change the tide of social injustice in a way that reverberates to this day.
The Sword and the Shield: the Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. by Peniel E. Joseph
The Sword and the Shield is a dual biography of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King that transforms our understanding of the twentieth century's most iconic African American leaders. Peniel E. Joseph reveals a nuanced portrait of two men who, despite markedly different backgrounds, inspired and pushed each other throughout their adult lives. This is a strikingly revisionist biography, not only of Malcolm and Martin, but also of the movement and era they came to define.
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