In May 1967, MLK did an interview with NBC’s Sander Vanocur.
In an extraordinary, wide-ranging conversation, King acknowledged the “soul searching,” and “agonizing moments” he’d gone through since his most famous speech. He told Vanocur the “old optimism” of the civil rights movement was “a little superficial” and now needed to be tempered with “a solid realism.” And just 11 months before his death, he spoke bluntly about what he called the “difficult days ahead.”
The full interview is below courtesy of lamh, who sent me the link.
Open thread!
rikyrah
Had never seen this. Thank you.
Omnes Omnibus
I still prefer the speech he gave after this. The one he gave the night before he was assassinated. Everyone has a dark night of the soul. He had one.
justawriter
Pardon me, but I have to vent tonight. A college classmate of mine died today after a sudden illness. We were in the college choir together, and we sang together in Notre Dame Cathedral back in 1980. (our college had the first American college choir to sing in Notre Dame a few years earlier) We lost touch until Facebook came around and I found out he was a leader of the hospice movement in Seattle. His personality was such that he, an out gay Democrat, was named as a trustee of our fairly conservative private Christian Alma Mater back in January. Rest in Peace John. I’m mad because he wasn’t even 60 while rich conservative shitbags seemingly live forever.
West of the Rockies (been a while)
@justawriter:
It sounds like your friend leaves a remarkable legacy. Condolences to you.
Elie
@justawriter:
Many condolences. Your pain on his loss is a worthy tribute….
Steeplejack
@justawriter:
Condolences on the death of your friend. Requiescat in pace.
Sab
@justawriter: It seems that he did not waste his life. Not many can say that. Not much consolation now, but it may be later.
frosty
@justawriter: Yes, I agree he didn’t waste his life. Unlike old, rich, shitbag conservatives, who’ve wasted their lives acquiring money that does them no good. RIP and you have my condolences.
Yutsano
@justawriter: Baruch Dayan Emet. He sounds like he was a wonderful soul.
eclare
@justawriter: I’m so sorry, sounds like a wonderful person.
(((CassandraLeo)))
@justawriter: My condolences on your loss. I must also echo what the others here have said. He sounds like he was a great person.
WereBear
@justawriter: It sounds like he accomplished far more than most. My sorrow for your loss; and the world’s.
justawriter
Thank you all. It’s morning and I am feeling better.