This is a word, a podcast from Slate. I'm your host, Jason Johnson.

Spring is a time for hope, and for many people of faith, it brings the holiest days of the

year. But in 1968, that season was marred by the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Now a new generation is re-examining that history, and what it can teach us about America's

current struggles with race.

Even the people who disagree with him, they saw it as a symbol that was holding their

rage in check, or keeping possibilities on the table. They saw that being removed from

life.

Racism riots and remembrance of Dr. King coming up on a word with me, Jason Johnson.

Stay with us.

Welcome to a word of podcast about race in politics and everything else. I'm your host,

Jason Johnson. Holy week is a time when many Christians are preparing for the most sacred

days of their calendar. But in America, in 1968, Holy Week brought the assassination

of Martin Luther King, Jr. and days of riots, violence, and destruction when the threat

of a race war hovered over a much of America.

Holy Week is also the name of a new podcast dedicated to this moment in history, and how

it played out. It's hosted by journalist Van Newkirk II. He's an author and a senior

editor for the Atlantic. He joins us now. Van Newkirk? Welcome to a word.

Thanks for having me.

Van, you've written things about labor. You've written things about farming. You've written

things about water. You have a extensive background and historical, racial, labor, and economic

journalism that you've done. Why did you want to examine Holy Week? What specifically

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