Martin Luther King and the Memphis Sanitation Strike
A reminder that Martin Luther King, civil rights leader and democratic socialist, died while supporting a struggle to form a union. Produced by the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Dr. King’s political leanings were probably influenced a great deal by his father, Martin Luther King, Sr. – who was a noted Republican. He would have likely endorsed Richard Nixon for the 1960 election. But when the younger King was arrested during a sit-in, it was then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy who ensured his release, as a favor to Martin Luther King, Sr. After his son was freed, King backed him in the election – and some 10 million votes were delivered for the Democrat. (As a side note, Kennedy was not known for being an overly enthusiastic supporter of civil rights.)
It seems that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was neither a Republican nor a Democrat.
Dr. King often called for personal responsibility in fostering world peace
Dr. King espoused some socialist leanings later in life, but I believe he was not a politician, and you should not claim him on this page. He belongs to all the parties: Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and even you misguided souls.