Fighting for liberation in this country is dangerous. It takes bold leaders to speak out against injustice, but even stronger ones to endure all that comes with a pro-Black platform. As constant death threats were launched at King, he did what many would consider uncharacteristic of him.
Dr. King armed himself with more than faith and dreams. He had “an arsenal” in his home. Despite preaching nonviolence, King felt that being armed was the only way to protect his family.
After King’s house was bombed in 1956, he applied for a concealed carry permit. However, he was rejected because he was Black.
Though it was technically legal for Black people to carry guns, the system created wiggle room in laws to thwart Black gun-ownership. King recognized this, and after a trip to India in 1959, he decided to embrace nonviolence completely.
It’s sad to see that King had to go against his principles to peacefully fight for us. Yet, he reminds us that personal sacrifice is crucial to liberation.