“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
― Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from a Birmingham Jail, 16 April 1963
Dr. Martin Luther King visited Liberty County and spent time at the Historic Dorchester Academy.
Dorchester Academy was founded after the Civil War as a school for freed slaves. By 1917, the fully accredited high school had eight frame buildings and 300 students. This African American historic site hosted Dr. Martin Luther King's planning meetings for his 1963 march on Birmingham. Dorchester Academy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Landmark in 2006.
Dr. King would come to Dorchester to relax, play baseball and rehearse his speeches before giving them during the civil rights movement. The Boys' Dormitory is still standing, and the room that he slept in is still in the same condition as when he last stepped foot in it.
Since our founding over three decades ago, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Association (MLKOA) has been determined to make an impact in Liberty County and around the world. The core of our efforts is to bring fresh ideas and passion to the range of activities we’re involved in to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through all of our endeavors, we hope to display the conviction behind our beliefs in the dream--Dr. King's dream and our dream for America.
DR. KING DAY 2021
Education & Awareness
Reinforcing our Commitment
Unfortunately, school curriculums don't often teach the truth about history, instead highlighting the easy topics and whitewashing the tragedies. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life serving others and we are committed to honoring him and bringing awareness to the atrocities and celebrations of the civil rights struggle.
In 1983, President Reagan signed into law establishing the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday; however, it was not recognized until 1989. In honoring Dr. King’s legacy each year on MLK Day, we have the unique opportunity to reflect on the gains we have made, and recommit ourselves to the work that remains as we strive for a more just society.
Dr. King was Murdered
On the evening of April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King was assassinated. He was fatally shot while standing on the balcony of a motel in Memphis, where King had traveled to support a sanitation workers’ strike. In the wake of his death, a wave of riots swept major cities across the country, while President Johnson declared a national day of mourning.
“But let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”