The Making of Martin Luther King Jr.
American History Hit
History Hit
4.3 • 1.7K Ratings
🗓️ 15 January 2024
⏱️ 36 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Who introduced Martin Luther King Jr. to activism? Why is the influence of mothers so often understated? And did you know about the other King assassination?
In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life and legacy of Alberta Christine Williams King, a remarkable activist in her own right.
From her upbringing in Atlanta to her pivotal role in shaping MLK Jr.'s values and beliefs, Alberta's story is one of resilience, determination and tragedy.
Don is joined by Anna Malaika Tubbs, New York Times bestselling author of 'The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation'.
Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | At 501, Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia, the morning has taken an extraordinary turn. |
| 0:09.3 | In an upstairs bedroom of the modest two-story home can be heard the sounds of a woman in the throes of labor as she delivers child. |
| 0:18.0 | It is the house where the woman, Alberta Williams King, grew up. |
| 0:22.0 | Her father, Reverend Williams, is the pastor Alberta Williams |
| 0:24.0 | is the pastor of the Ebeneser Baptist Church, |
| 0:27.0 | where her young husband is now a minister as well. |
| 0:30.0 | Today, the congregation eagerly awaits news. |
| 0:34.0 | Alberta paces herself with the contractions, breathing rhythmically against the pain. |
| 0:39.0 | Beeds of sweat are dabbed from her forehead, as she prays inwardly for the safety of her child. |
| 0:44.8 | Finally at 12 noon the baby arrives. It is a boy who will be called Michael |
| 0:51.6 | but whose name would later be changed to Martin. |
| 0:55.8 | January 15, 1929, it is Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Hello friends, welcome back to another episode of the pod. This is American History Hit and I'm |
| 1:16.7 | Don Wildman. We are telling a tale today in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| 1:22.2 | observed here in America on the third Monday of every January. |
| 1:26.0 | This year, 2024, the holiday lands on the date itself. |
| 1:30.0 | January 15th. Happy MLK Day everyone. |
| 1:33.6 | For this episode though, we're not speaking of the great man so directly. |
| 1:37.8 | Rather, we are focused on the story of the woman who brought him into this world, his mother, |
| 1:42.1 | Alberta, Christine, Williams King, and it is an honor to do so, |
| 1:46.0 | especially in the company of the accomplished author, organizer, |
| 1:49.0 | educator, public speaker, and mother of three. |
| 1:53.0 | Anna Malika Tubs. |
... |
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