We Shall Overcome: The Legacy

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.)