What Would Martin Say?

This is a needed book, and a good one. The author seems to be really trying to figure out what Dr. King would have said about today's black leaders, affirmative action, about the war in Iraq, immigration, etc. He talks about his history with Dr. King, and tries to make comparisons between then and now. He seems to say that the present black leaders are often in the spotlight for publicity and not for the "cause," and that affirmative action may, in 2009, keep African Americans from pursuing "excellence" in their chosen field. It was needed then, but even though there is still racism in America, it is at least hidden enough so that those who wish to pursue excellence may usually do so. One thing that becomes clearer to me with this book is how educated, thoughtful, moral, and full of integrity Dr. King was, and I think the author is right in pointing out that nobody has been as effective as Dr. King in the black leadership circles since his death over 40 years ago. Another idea that the author kept coming back to is how one must always pursue excellence in whatever you do. I think he maybe did not go deep enough into the immigration issue-I think Dr. King might have worked harder to help those in Mexico try to change their government so they would be less inclined to come to America. I also think the author missed a huge opportunity to project what Dr. King would have said about the environmental issues, women's rights, and gay rights, and other issues of our time. Overall, though, I think Clarence Jones does an excellent job helping us see into the vision of Dr. King, and how his theology and background shaped what he did, and how he would never ask someone to do something he himself would not do. I hope Jones will write another book addressing more issues of our times, as the clarity and morality of Martin Luther King's vision is sorely needed today.

I am so pleased to review this enlightning book, I was so informed, and I am more informed because of it! This attorney has so many on- hand experiences to share with the world! He tells it straight and from a balanced perspective.

I am so impressed with Mr Jones' observations. He takes the historical Martin King and brings him to 2008, addressing topics such as Black-on-Black crime, the current status of 'the struggle', the responsibility of modern Black America, the 'Jena Six', today's modern so-called 'Black Leaders', and a host of others. Mr Jones prefaces each topic with an historical account of how Dr King addressed a similar or identical situation. Mr Jones uses each recollection as a launching pad to address current subjects pertinent in the lives of Black America today, eminently qualifying him to surmise what he believes Dr King would say on the subject in 2008. Most if not all of these journeys in time are the accounts of the man who was present with Dr King at the time. More than just interesting sidebars, they validate Mr Jones as he gives compelling, rational argument for the positions he believes Dr King would take today. Mr Jones does not shy away from topics that he could have just as easily avoided. He could have successfully written a book where he honors Dr King's memory but steps on fewer toes. Mr Jones does just the opposite - he gets his big stompin' boots out and commences to "kickin' & takin". I stopped reading this book and immediately gave it to my niece for a college graduation present. I am ordering additional copies for my son, daughter, other nieces & nephews, as well as a copy for myself to finish. I hope that I see a dog-eared, frequently read copy on their bookshelves in the years to come. Thank you, Mr Jones! -RCH Sr-

Yes, I want to thank the author for writing this book. He tells the true story of a great man and a great movement--told as only someone who was personally there and lived through it can tell it. Jones uses the very close relationship he had with MLK not to aggrandize himself but to inform and educate anyone who chooses to read this book. The book provides balanced context and fascinating and sometimes unexpected insights, told in an unconstrained, thought-provoking manner. The book seems to be written by a self-effacing man who contributed greatly to the civil rights movement and now is passing along his knowledge and insights about MLK to all of us, regardless of our age/generation. I really enjoyed reading about what would Martin say about many issues of our time, and wish the book was longer.