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King Legacy #10
A Time to Break Silence: The Essential Works of Martin Luther King, Jr., for Students
Presents Martin Luther King, Jr.'s most important writings and speechescarefully selected by educators across a variety of disciplinesin an accessible, user-friendly volume that includes 19 selections, with an introduction by the award-winning author who is also serving as the Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Simultaneous.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
95 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Martin Luther King Jr.
412 books3,456 followersMartin Luther King, Jr. was one of the pivotal leaders of the American civil rights movement. King was a Baptist minister, one of the few leadership roles available to black men at the time. He became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956) and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (1957), serving as its first president. His efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Here he raised public consciousness of the civil rights movement and established himself as one of the greatest orators in U.S. history. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means.
King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a national holiday in the United States in 1986. In 2004, King was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.
King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a national holiday in the United States in 1986. In 2004, King was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 9, 2013
(nb: I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss)
This is one of those books whose content is impossible to review. Martin Luther King stands as one of the greatest orators, social leaders, activists, and human beings this country has ever produced. His work from the Montgomery Bus Boycott, through the historic March on Washington, to his “I have been to the mountaintop” speech to the striking Memphis sanitation workers—the night before his assassination—is enough for three remarkable lives, much less just one. Through the end, Dr. King preached the glory and necessity of nonviolence.
In the end, this alienated him from some African-Americans, who espoused more direct confrontation with their oppressors. Indeed, after King’s murder, violent race riots erupted in cities across America.
As I said, his strength as an orator is undisputed. He was also a brilliant and eloquent writer, whose work appeared in black publications, like “Ebony” magazine, as well as white bastions such as “Atlantic” or “The New York Times Magazine.”
To a group of junior high students, he said “If it falls to your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures.” He dared say that the greatest stumbling block toward racial harmony was not the Klansman, but “…the white moderate, who is more devoted to `order’ than to justice.” King took us all to that mountaintop, and asked us all to judge one another not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character.
These speeches and essays all appear in this collection, “A Time to Break Silence.” This is the latest in the “King Legacy Series,” compendia published by Beacon Press in conjunction with the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program.
These books are aimed at keeping the immortal, vital words of Dr. King alive for a new generation. “A Time to Break Silence” is designed for use by students. Each speech, sermon, or essay is followed by review questions, which teachers could use either for in-class discussion or for homework or essay assignments.
This book also divides King’s work into sections based on topics, such as “The Power of Freedom” or “Love and Faith.”
Martin Luther King’s collected works could fill volumes just based on what was recorded or published. “A Time to Break Silence” will make an excellent primer for students, though any reader can benefit from it. It contains some of King’s “greatest hits,” including the “I Have a Dream” address at the Lincoln Memorial, and his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
Much of the wisdom here is in lesser-known works. One line that rings so true today is, “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” With the war in the Middle East taking up huge gobs of money while unemployment runs ever rampant stateside, he could have made that speech today, instead of 1967 (one year to the day before he was killed).
Reading this book, I found wisdom that did not die with Martin Luther King. So much of his work is as valid today as it was then. This book is a wonderful introduction for today’s generation—or yesterday’s—to discover it.
Highly Recommended
This is one of those books whose content is impossible to review. Martin Luther King stands as one of the greatest orators, social leaders, activists, and human beings this country has ever produced. His work from the Montgomery Bus Boycott, through the historic March on Washington, to his “I have been to the mountaintop” speech to the striking Memphis sanitation workers—the night before his assassination—is enough for three remarkable lives, much less just one. Through the end, Dr. King preached the glory and necessity of nonviolence.
In the end, this alienated him from some African-Americans, who espoused more direct confrontation with their oppressors. Indeed, after King’s murder, violent race riots erupted in cities across America.
As I said, his strength as an orator is undisputed. He was also a brilliant and eloquent writer, whose work appeared in black publications, like “Ebony” magazine, as well as white bastions such as “Atlantic” or “The New York Times Magazine.”
To a group of junior high students, he said “If it falls to your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures.” He dared say that the greatest stumbling block toward racial harmony was not the Klansman, but “…the white moderate, who is more devoted to `order’ than to justice.” King took us all to that mountaintop, and asked us all to judge one another not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character.
These speeches and essays all appear in this collection, “A Time to Break Silence.” This is the latest in the “King Legacy Series,” compendia published by Beacon Press in conjunction with the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program.
These books are aimed at keeping the immortal, vital words of Dr. King alive for a new generation. “A Time to Break Silence” is designed for use by students. Each speech, sermon, or essay is followed by review questions, which teachers could use either for in-class discussion or for homework or essay assignments.
This book also divides King’s work into sections based on topics, such as “The Power of Freedom” or “Love and Faith.”
Martin Luther King’s collected works could fill volumes just based on what was recorded or published. “A Time to Break Silence” will make an excellent primer for students, though any reader can benefit from it. It contains some of King’s “greatest hits,” including the “I Have a Dream” address at the Lincoln Memorial, and his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
Much of the wisdom here is in lesser-known works. One line that rings so true today is, “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” With the war in the Middle East taking up huge gobs of money while unemployment runs ever rampant stateside, he could have made that speech today, instead of 1967 (one year to the day before he was killed).
Reading this book, I found wisdom that did not die with Martin Luther King. So much of his work is as valid today as it was then. This book is a wonderful introduction for today’s generation—or yesterday’s—to discover it.
Highly Recommended
February 18, 2023
I found this to be a wonderful introduction to Dr. King's writings and ideas. I read a quote by Dr. King last month that I loved, which led me to realize that pretty much everything I knew of his work came from quotes that I have read over the years. As I frequently teach, we need to know the full context of a quote, passage, scripture, etc. if we are going to really understand what is meant. Reading Dr. King's quotes in the context of the full writing added so much power to his words.
I leave this book with greater humility, insight, and a better understanding of Dr. King, the work he accomplished, the history of our country, and how the political and social challenges of today are a continuation of those that Dr. King fought against throughout his life.
I leave this book with greater humility, insight, and a better understanding of Dr. King, the work he accomplished, the history of our country, and how the political and social challenges of today are a continuation of those that Dr. King fought against throughout his life.
December 20, 2013
Introduction p.xx "In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the first civil rights legislation passed since 1868."
p.22 And it is all a descending spiral, ultimately ending in destruction for all and everybody.
p.26 Violence creates many more social problems than it solves.
p.96 If we do not act we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight.
p.108 Wisdom born of experience should tell us that war is obsolete.
p.165 Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
An introduction by Walter Dean Myers begins a strong collections of writings from Dr. King. The compilation contains some of the strongest writings from Dr. King: 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' and the title of the text, in which Dr. King announces publicly his opposition to the war in Vietnam. Including the eulogy of the victims of the church bombing is a poignant reminder of the era. One of the highlights of the work is the inclusion of a copy of the 'I Have a Dream' text.
The selections of essays, speeches, and sermons covers the depth and breadth of the career of the Dr. King. The arguments laid out within the essays are well crafted, although the analogies are strange occasionally. Dr. King spotlights how the military industrial complex growing in Asia is depleting the funds from The Great Society programs. Laid out within 'A Time to Break Silence' is an impressive argument, which includes a glimpse into the times.
Interesting: Dr. King meets Richard Wright in New York while en route to India. Also, within the introduction there is a mention of a meeting with Dr. King and Walter Dean Myers.
The collection is excellent for placing the reader within the time and place of the era. One problem with Dr. King's writings is the material is dense. There are stretches of fantastic cadence and rhythm within the pieces, but many are thoughtful, thorough essays exposing aspects of society. Although the detail within the essays may bog down the pace of the material, the voice of the speaker still shines through the material.
p.22 And it is all a descending spiral, ultimately ending in destruction for all and everybody.
p.26 Violence creates many more social problems than it solves.
p.96 If we do not act we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight.
p.108 Wisdom born of experience should tell us that war is obsolete.
p.165 Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
An introduction by Walter Dean Myers begins a strong collections of writings from Dr. King. The compilation contains some of the strongest writings from Dr. King: 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' and the title of the text, in which Dr. King announces publicly his opposition to the war in Vietnam. Including the eulogy of the victims of the church bombing is a poignant reminder of the era. One of the highlights of the work is the inclusion of a copy of the 'I Have a Dream' text.
The selections of essays, speeches, and sermons covers the depth and breadth of the career of the Dr. King. The arguments laid out within the essays are well crafted, although the analogies are strange occasionally. Dr. King spotlights how the military industrial complex growing in Asia is depleting the funds from The Great Society programs. Laid out within 'A Time to Break Silence' is an impressive argument, which includes a glimpse into the times.
Interesting: Dr. King meets Richard Wright in New York while en route to India. Also, within the introduction there is a mention of a meeting with Dr. King and Walter Dean Myers.
The collection is excellent for placing the reader within the time and place of the era. One problem with Dr. King's writings is the material is dense. There are stretches of fantastic cadence and rhythm within the pieces, but many are thoughtful, thorough essays exposing aspects of society. Although the detail within the essays may bog down the pace of the material, the voice of the speaker still shines through the material.
February 5, 2023
After reading through this collection of MLK Jr.'s writing, I have a better understanding of a person that many people reference, but few actually have read or studied. It is striking that much of his perspective on the world is rooted in Christianity. I mean I know that he was a Reverend, but I feel like when we study his work in school that's not a facet that is mentioned or examined.
It's strange that after reading his work and his insistence on non-violent direct action, which has worked in the past, to come to the conclusion that MLK Jr. is wrong. At least, he's wrong on the surface-level. I am not convinced that the non-violent protests, boycotts, and deliberate jailing tactics that he is known for would work in this modern era of civil rights struggle. As MLK Jr. states in his essays, his tactics rely on the good consciousness of bystanders witnessing the horror of what the state/bigots do to innocent people and being inspired to action (some refer to this as the Gandhi trap). However, with social media and the radicalization of people through even traditional media, this is becoming less and less effective as outsiders will have an anti-progressive narrative fed and reinforced. As a result, those who oppose social change will often harp on protestors and activists to take a MLK Jr. approach to their activities with full knowledge that using these tactics will put marginalized individuals in danger while not being as effective.
However, MLK Jr. is not so adamant that he becomes blind to this issue. In one of the earlier essays, he remarks that tactics and techniques to push social progress should be designed to fit the times that they are in and I wouldn't doubt that MLK Jr. seeing today's political and social climate would understand that his tactics would no longer work. Additionally, parts of his rhetoric that are often skipped over include the redistribution of wealth and the call for removing the capitalistic systems that plague the US today. These are readily obvious in many of his essay in this collection, but I can't help noticing that even the curator avoids studying them and the discussion questions ignore them. The book pulls back from encouraging readers to understand this facet of MLK Jr. and it is perhaps the most relevant in modern times. This is why I have given 4 stars instead of 5.
It's strange that after reading his work and his insistence on non-violent direct action, which has worked in the past, to come to the conclusion that MLK Jr. is wrong. At least, he's wrong on the surface-level. I am not convinced that the non-violent protests, boycotts, and deliberate jailing tactics that he is known for would work in this modern era of civil rights struggle. As MLK Jr. states in his essays, his tactics rely on the good consciousness of bystanders witnessing the horror of what the state/bigots do to innocent people and being inspired to action (some refer to this as the Gandhi trap). However, with social media and the radicalization of people through even traditional media, this is becoming less and less effective as outsiders will have an anti-progressive narrative fed and reinforced. As a result, those who oppose social change will often harp on protestors and activists to take a MLK Jr. approach to their activities with full knowledge that using these tactics will put marginalized individuals in danger while not being as effective.
However, MLK Jr. is not so adamant that he becomes blind to this issue. In one of the earlier essays, he remarks that tactics and techniques to push social progress should be designed to fit the times that they are in and I wouldn't doubt that MLK Jr. seeing today's political and social climate would understand that his tactics would no longer work. Additionally, parts of his rhetoric that are often skipped over include the redistribution of wealth and the call for removing the capitalistic systems that plague the US today. These are readily obvious in many of his essay in this collection, but I can't help noticing that even the curator avoids studying them and the discussion questions ignore them. The book pulls back from encouraging readers to understand this facet of MLK Jr. and it is perhaps the most relevant in modern times. This is why I have given 4 stars instead of 5.
August 12, 2019
This book was absolutely fascinating to read. It really opens your eyes to see a completely different spectrum being, the views of segregation and racism in the south from the eyes of the black race and Martin Luther King Jr. It is incredible how studying the works of a subject in which there was a victim, from the victims perspective opens a new dimension to the issues that are not often talked about. In a part of the book, it uses a speech Martin Luther King Jr. gave about the Vietnamese War. While yes I knew there was more then just one race fighting that war, a certain paragraph hit me hard on the harsh truth of what was really going on that was not being talked about. In the text Martin Luther King Jr. stated, "Perhaps the more tragic recognition of reality took place when it became clear to me that the war was doing far more than devastating the hopes of the poor at home. It was sending their sons and their brothers and husbands fight and to die in extraordinarily high proportions relative to the rest of the population. We were taking the black young men who had been crippled by our society and sending them 8,000 miles away to guarantee liberties in Southeast Asia which they had not found in Southwest Georgia and East Harlem. So we have been repeatedly faced with the cruel irony of watching Negro and white boys on TV screens as they kill and die together for a nation that has been unable to seat them together in the same schools". This is on page 79 from Martin Luther King Jr's speech called "Beyond Vietnam". This had began many thoughts in my head about how many of those young men fought for their freedom and were promised freedom when they returned, only to never experience it. This really drew me into the book and it will draw you in too.
February 22, 2021
I read this book because I realized I hadn’t read much of Dr. King’s writing besides the well-known quotes that are trotted out at regular intervals. In particular, I was looking for the full text of his Letter from Birmingham Jail and this book fit the bill.
Reading this collection of Dr. King’s full speeches was all I hoped for and more. This book also gave a bit of context for how he was perceived during the years he was most active. I definitely recommend familiarizing yourself with his own words.
The book is organized by theme, which would be a useful structure for the discussion questions if used in a school setting. For me as an adult reader, I found the temporal jumping around disorienting as I was trying to follow King’s development in the context of the historical events that unfolded in the late 1950s and early ‘60s.
Whether it’s this book or another, take the time to get to know Dr. King through his speeches and published writing. You’ll be better for it, and better able to carry on his legacy.
Reading this collection of Dr. King’s full speeches was all I hoped for and more. This book also gave a bit of context for how he was perceived during the years he was most active. I definitely recommend familiarizing yourself with his own words.
The book is organized by theme, which would be a useful structure for the discussion questions if used in a school setting. For me as an adult reader, I found the temporal jumping around disorienting as I was trying to follow King’s development in the context of the historical events that unfolded in the late 1950s and early ‘60s.
Whether it’s this book or another, take the time to get to know Dr. King through his speeches and published writing. You’ll be better for it, and better able to carry on his legacy.
March 1, 2024
The book, A Time to Break Silence, contains a list of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most impactful speeches and writings. The speeches contained in this book include “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and “I Have a Dream,” as well as “The Sword that Heals”. This book is the first collection of MLK’s speeches put into the form of a book. Upon reading this book, I was moved by the invigorating words of MLK. They are utterly inspirational and left me feeling like I was at fault, yet also part of the solution, even though I am not racist. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in equality or the use of rhetoric. The only thing this book is lacking is MLK’s strong voice to say those words again.
February 18, 2022
I read these speeches in a college class years ago, but decided to reread them in conjunction with the meetings I've had recently with some great groups like Faith & Prejudice and Mission Reconcile. Each of the writings are, sadly, timeless and applicable to current events in the 2020s. Definitely worth revisiting, and often.
April 3, 2022
This book would be an excellent resource for a short course on the civil rights movement and the life of MLK. It is a collection of sermons and essays of MLK. Each selection has a series of questions for the reader to ponder. The book can be easily read during and winter/spring break for a high school or college student. The chapter questions can be uses for essays/class discussion topics.
July 7, 2020
I am ashamed that I have never read Dr King's speeches and writings. It was so refreshing and challenging to read his perspective and how rooted he was in the Word of God as he fought against injustice in our country.
July 27, 2017
Powerful. Read it slowly and take time to absorb. So much wisdom. Especially challenged the way I think about loving my enemies.
May 22, 2018
The words of MLK are so relevant in today's environment. There were times that made me want to jump up from my chair and join a cause at that very moment.
January 21, 2025
“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.”
October 5, 2025
So glad to read the original sermons and speeches!
February 24, 2014
Per FTC rules: I received a free copy of this book as a giveaway from Goodreads First Reads.
It's difficult to rate this book as separate from the speeches of Dr. King. The speeches are, naturally, quite eloquent and conjure a spirit of activism that has yet to be equalled, in my opinion. However, the book, as it is laid out, seems very juvenile. I suppose the students (as mentioned in the title) are from a broad range of grades and the questions at the end of each speech are somewhat vague and ordinary. I'll admit to having stopped reading them about halfway through the book. Still, this collection is one worth having of the more important works of Dr. King, but the book is not really for advanced students.
It's difficult to rate this book as separate from the speeches of Dr. King. The speeches are, naturally, quite eloquent and conjure a spirit of activism that has yet to be equalled, in my opinion. However, the book, as it is laid out, seems very juvenile. I suppose the students (as mentioned in the title) are from a broad range of grades and the questions at the end of each speech are somewhat vague and ordinary. I'll admit to having stopped reading them about halfway through the book. Still, this collection is one worth having of the more important works of Dr. King, but the book is not really for advanced students.
January 4, 2017
Fantastic compilation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's essential works including "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and "I Have a Dream." Though this book is intended for students and includes discussion questions, the writings and speeches inside serve as powerful inspiration for young and old. As King tells us, "...you have a responsibility to seek to make your nation a better nation in which to live. You have a responsibility to seek to make life better for everybody."
December 5, 2013
an amazing collection. I highly recommend this book. his testaments are still valid today...if not more so.
January 23, 2014
Fantastic! My sixth grade students enjoyed me reading aloud from this, and we had great discussions. A must have for any classroom!
August 17, 2014
This is a great resource for classroom teachers! There are many sections that could be used in close reading. I loved reading the passages that were new to me!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews