Reclaiming the Radical Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Conversation with Cat Brooks and Chris Burger

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In a powerful conversation on Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Cat Brooks, co-founder of the Anti-Police Terror Project (APTP), and artist Chris Burger to discuss the ongoing efforts to reclaim the radical legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The discussion focused on Dr. King’s radical views, which are often overlooked in mainstream narratives, and the importance of continuing his fight for justice and equality today.

The Radical Side of Dr. King

Cat Brooks explained that many people only recognize Dr. King for his “I Have a Dream” speech, neglecting his later years when his views became increasingly radical. Dr. King began to critique not just racism, but also capitalism, imperialism, and the war in Vietnam. This aspect of his legacy is often erased or whitewashed, but it was during these years that Dr. King became a vocal advocate for systemic change.

Brooks shared that in 2009, Maurice Mitchell issued a national call to reclaim King’s radical legacy, urging activists to challenge the sanitized version of Dr. King’s life. This call led to the creation of the annual Reclaim the King Legacy week in Oakland, which has become a powerful tradition of resistance, empowerment, and joy in the streets.

Direct Action: A Tribute to King’s Legacy

The week-long celebration includes direct actions, film screenings, panel discussions, and mutual aid events. Brooks emphasized that the reclaiming of Dr. King’s legacy is not just about remembering his words but actively engaging in direct action, something King himself supported. She pointed out that King was arrested multiple times for breaking unjust laws, particularly in the fight against segregation, and used direct action as a tool for social change.

Chris Berger added that Dr. King’s legacy is about being in the streets with the people, resisting oppression through self-determination, and empowering communities to organize for their freedom. The APTP’s work today, from mental health initiatives to anti-police activism, reflects King’s commitment to justice.

The State of Our Political Climate

As the conversation moved to the present moment, the speakers discussed the challenges of today’s political climate. With increasing fascism and systemic violence, Brooks argued that Dr. King would be engaged in organizing, shifting tactics to meet the current political conditions. The ability to adapt, to “change strategies as conditions change,” was one of Dr. King’s strengths, and it remains essential today.

Chris Berger emphasized that King would be organizing around the needs of the people, focusing on community support and empowerment, rather than relying on the state to solve issues of injustice. He shared his own experience with APTP’s efforts to provide healing, including access to mental health resources, to those affected by police violence.

A Legacy of Service to the People

A central theme of the conversation was the idea of service to the community. Both Brooks and Berger reiterated that the true work of organizing comes from meeting people where they are, understanding their needs, and working alongside them. It’s not about ego, but about serving the people with humility and dedication. They called for organizers to focus on long-term, systemic change, rather than momentary fame or attention.

Berger also discussed the importance of community-driven initiatives, such as his work with Love Phenomena, a project that integrates music with digital literacy and workforce development. These efforts reflect Dr. King’s belief in self-determination and empowering communities to shape their futures.

Upcoming Events: Celebrating and Continuing Dr. King’s Legacy

The conversation wrapped up with details on upcoming events to celebrate Dr. King’s radical legacy. On Thursday, January 16th, APTP will kick off its Reclaim the King Legacy Week with a fundraiser at Bamhouse, 1540 Broadway in Oakland, featuring performances by Love Phenomena, Chris Burger, Jennifer Johns, and a conversation with Davey D and Cat Brooks.

Additionally, on Monday, January 20th, the 11th Annual Reclaim the King Legacy March will take place at 11 AM starting from Oscar Grant Plaza in Oakland. This march will focus on justice, healing, and community empowerment, and is expected to be a powerful display of resistance, particularly as the country faces another presidential inauguration.

Conclusion

Through their conversation, Cat Brooks and Chris Burger made it clear that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is far from the passive, non-confrontational figure many people have come to know. Dr. King was a revolutionary, a freedom fighter who used direct action to confront the systems of oppression. Reclaiming his radical legacy is not just about remembering the past but about continuing the fight for justice, equality, and freedom in the present day. The events planned for this week in Oakland are an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, and take action for the future.

For more information on the Reclaim the King Legacy events, visit the APTP website or join the conversation on social media.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

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