ATLANTA — Before he became the iconic pastor and civil rights activist we all know, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a student at Morehouse College. It was at this esteemed institution that he first developed an interest in social issues, ultimately paving the way for his influential career.
11Alive spoke to professors at Morehouse College about King's time on campus and how current students are engaging with his work.
On the historic campus, Dr. Harold Bennett, the Martin Luther King Jr. Endowed Professor of Religion at Morehouse, shared insights into King's presence and the significance of spaces like Sale Hall and the chapel in shaping his thinking.
"King's presence in Sale Hall and the chapel upstairs helped to nurture him, to help shape his thinking," Bennett explained.
In 1944, at the age of 15, King entered Morehouse College as a freshman. He graduated four years later with a degree in sociology, setting the stage for the historic speeches and actions that would define the civil rights movement.
Today, King's life and work are subjects of study at Morehouse College. Bennett emphasized the importance of humanizing King in these discussions, acknowledging both his social activism and his personal aspects.
"We can talk about his social activism. But then, there are some other parts that we talk about which I think are healthy for full conversation when we humanize him," Bennett noted.
Professor Illya Davis, who teaches philosophy, emphasized the need to go beyond the iconic figure and delve into the individual. Davis encourages students to define King's impact on themselves, urging them to reflect on issues such as poverty and social structures.
"When he talks about poverty, he talks about asymmetrical social, political, and structured economic structures. You need to answer that for yourself. King had his time. 'What is your answer?'" Davis challenged students.
For Davis, growing up in Atlanta meant embracing fundamental ideas like King's principle of love, emphasizing the importance of serious reflection on King's teachings.
In the heart of Atlanta, Morehouse College continues to honor its revered alumnus by fostering an environment where students critically engage with the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.