Questions to Ask MLK
Thought-provoking questions to ask Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. about his philosophy, strategy, vision for justice, and how we should continue the work of civil rights and equality today.
1What gave you the courage to stand up against injustice despite threats to your life?
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What gave you the courage to stand up against injustice despite threats to your life?
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Why this works
Explores the source of his extraordinary bravery and moral conviction.
2How did you maintain hope and persistence in the face of slow progress and setbacks?
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How did you maintain hope and persistence in the face of slow progress and setbacks?
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Why this works
Reveals resilience strategies applicable to any long-term struggle.
3What role did faith and spirituality play in your activism and leadership?
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What role did faith and spirituality play in your activism and leadership?
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Why this works
Understanding the spiritual foundation of his nonviolent philosophy.
4How did you balance the competing demands of radical change and pragmatic compromise?
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How did you balance the competing demands of radical change and pragmatic compromise?
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Why this works
Shows navigation of idealism vs. realism in social movements.
5What would you say to those who argue that nonviolence is too slow or ineffective?
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What would you say to those who argue that nonviolence is too slow or ineffective?
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Why this works
Defends his strategic and moral commitment to peaceful resistance.
6How did you decide which battles to fight and when to escalate or negotiate?
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How did you decide which battles to fight and when to escalate or negotiate?
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Why this works
Strategic thinking about movement leadership and resource allocation.
7What connections do you see between racial justice, economic justice, and peace?
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What connections do you see between racial justice, economic justice, and peace?
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Why this works
His intersectional vision linked civil rights, poverty, and militarism.
8How should we address the economic inequality that perpetuates racial injustice?
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How should we address the economic inequality that perpetuates racial injustice?
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Why this works
MLK increasingly focused on economic issues before his death.
9What advice would you give to today's activists fighting for justice?
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What advice would you give to today's activists fighting for justice?
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Why this works
Bridges his wisdom to contemporary movements like BLM.
10How do you respond to critics who say you were too radical or too moderate?
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How do you respond to critics who say you were too radical or too moderate?
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Why this works
MLK faced criticism from all sides—explores his navigation of political spectrum.
11What progress are you most proud of, and what remains unfinished?
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What progress are you most proud of, and what remains unfinished?
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Why this works
Celebrates achievements while acknowledging ongoing work.
12How should we educate children about racism, history, and justice?
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How should we educate children about racism, history, and justice?
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Why this works
Generational change through education was central to his vision.
13What would you say to those who claim racism is solved or no longer systemic?
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What would you say to those who claim racism is solved or no longer systemic?
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Why this works
Addresses contemporary denial of ongoing inequity.
14How do you define the 'beloved community' you envisioned?
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How do you define the 'beloved community' you envisioned?
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Why this works
His ultimate goal was reconciliation and interdependence, not just integration.
15What role should white allies play in the struggle for racial justice?
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What role should white allies play in the struggle for racial justice?
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Why this works
Coalition-building and allyship were essential to the movement.
16How do you balance anger at injustice with love for your oppressors?
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How do you balance anger at injustice with love for your oppressors?
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Why this works
Core tension in his philosophy of loving resistance.
17What did you mean when you said 'injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere'?
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What did you mean when you said 'injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere'?
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Why this works
His vision of interconnected humanity and global justice.
18How should we remember and honor your legacy without sanitizing your radical message?
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How should we remember and honor your legacy without sanitizing your radical message?
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Why this works
MLK is often whitewashed—he was far more radical than popular memory suggests.
19What gives you hope for humanity's future despite persistent injustice?
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What gives you hope for humanity's future despite persistent injustice?
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Why this works
Source of his optimism and faith in moral arc of the universe.
20What question should I be asking that I haven't thought of?
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What question should I be asking that I haven't thought of?
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Why this works
Invites him to share what's most important from his perspective.
Understanding MLK's Philosophy and Legacy
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
MLK's Core Principles
Key Tenets of His Philosophy
Applying MLK's Wisdom Today
Modern Applications
Common Misconceptions About MLK
Sanitized History
MLK was deeply unpopular during his lifetime—over 60% disapproval. He was radical, not moderate.
Narrow Focus
He opposed war, militarism, and capitalism, not just racism—his vision was comprehensive social transformation.