I Have a Dream: Martin Luther King and the Future of Multicultural America - Echols, James, ed. Fortress, 2004. 102p. $15.00, Hardcover. ISBN 0800636856.
305.8’00973 King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968—Influence. King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968—Philosophy. Pluralism (Social sciences)—United States. Civil rights movements—United States—History—20th century. African Americans—Civil rights.
The seven contributions by American scholars and theologians of the African-American and Hispanic communities in this collection observe the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s "I Have a Dream" speech and discuss its implications for the future of America. Contributors reflect on Dr. King and his ministry, analyze the famous speech, and explore its continuing relevance to our 21st-century social and multicultural setting. They emphasize the divine call to participate in the ongoing struggle for human equality and justice.
Readers should be prepared to read some angry words as well as assuring ones. Ours is no longer a culture of blacks and whites but is highly multicultural. Asian and other populations increase, and yesterday’s Latino minority could be on its way to becoming tomorrow’s majority. Problems persist for all, and the struggle for equality and justice remains. The Rev. James Forbes of New York’s Riverside Church tells of asking for help from his wife as he struggled to convey what he felt God calls us to do. He told her he wanted to say "Stand up. Speak out." He asked her what should come next. She answered: "Get killed." Her response gave him the words he was looking for: "Have courage."
I recommend this book for all congregational libraries. Endnotes and short biographies of the contributors are included.
Review by:
Thomas F Howard
Howard Chapel-Ridgeville UMC
Long Corner, Maryland
