We Shall Overcome

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

This collection of papers by 15 black scholars considers King's career, education and other influences that shaped his character, and his place in Afro-American history. The essays, delivered at a conference sponsored by the U.S. Capital Historical Society in Washington, D.C., in 1986, and assembled by Albert and Hoffman, co-editors of Perspectives on the American Revolution , are accompanied by personal recollections of the slain activist. The studies point out that King's goals concerned matters beyond civil rights, such as poverty and the war in Vietnam. His impact on and support of Third World liberation campaigns are also discussed. The observations and sentiments expressed are thoughtful and inspiring, but an overview of the conference would have placed these articles in context. (Aug.)

Library Journal

This is a collection of papers and comments from a symposium sponsored by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. Contributors range from leading academics like David Garrow to Civil Rights activists like Robert Moses. As a group, the essays have two main focuses: the role of religion in King's life and ideas; and the issue of the relative importance of King's personality as opposed to historical forces in creating the modern Civil Rights movement. Except for a fascinating section on King's international role and image, especially in Africa, the collection contains little new for scholars of the period. Nonetheless, it does provide a useful summary of the current state of King studies. Recommended for college, university, and large public libraries.-- Anthony O. Ed monds, Ball State Univ., Muncie, Ind.