October 17, 1966
Martin Luther King’s Detroit address
Just days after riots tore apart the city, civil rights crusader Martin Luther King paid a visit to Detroit yesterday to give a speech at the annual men's day dinner at New Bethel Baptist Church [1]. While the speech was intended to discuss inadequate housing and housing segregation in the city, the recent meltdown and unrest were key topics. King urged for the development of tenant councils and the use of community pressure to break down racial barriers in all-white neighborhoods and suburbs. In Detroit, civil rights groups have failed to organize tenant councils and there are widespread complaints of inadequate housing, due partly to racial discrimination. King said the techniques could be utilized locally without his leadership. "My presence is not necessary. If communities are waiting for me, we'll be another hundred years waiting for freedom."
Speaking of the recent riot, King said, “I’m absolutely convinced that a riot merely intensifies the fears of the white community while relieving the guilt…But it is not enough for me to stand before you tonight and condemn riots. It would be morally irresponsible for me to do that without, at the same time, condemning the contingent, intolerable conditions that exist in our society…And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard.” [2]
Despite his call for non-violent action, King said he was not interested in purging militant civil rights groups, like the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee. Instead, he wanted to bring these people back “to the great principles”, saying “I am not interested in purging anyone but carrying (people) to higher goals.” [1]
King said that the Black community is outraged at the success enjoyed by some racist politicians such as Lester Maddox, the Georgia gubernatorial candidate. "Maddox is a symbol of hatred and man's inhumanity to man," King said. "Every revolution has its counter-revolution. But we are not going to despair. I don't think Maddox represents the wave of the future.” [1] [3]
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