This Fresh Air interview podcast discusses the juxtaposition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Donald Trump's inauguration. The conversation features sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom and scholar Eddie Glaude Jr., who reflect on King's legacy and the complexities of race and politics in America. Cottom highlights the idealized version of King often presented, contrasting it with his radical activism, while Glaude emphasizes the cyclical nature of American history, showing progress followed by setbacks. They discuss the uneven successes of social movements like Black Lives Matter and the need to grapple with King's despair in the face of systemic racism. The discussion concludes with a reflection on King's commitment to justice and the ongoing need for moral action and political engagement.
