Discussion Topic
Clarifying the political roles of Martin Luther King Jr. and the history of black presidents in the USA
Summary:
Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights leader, not a political figure holding office. He led the movement for racial equality through nonviolent protest. As for black presidents in the USA, Barack Obama was the first African American president, serving from 2009 to 2017. No other black individuals have held the office of president in U.S. history.
Was Martin Luther King Jr. ever President of the United States?
Martin Luther King Jr. was not a president. He was a civil rights leader who led marches for freedom, was imprisoned for his beliefs, spoke to the heart of the people, and inspired millions. Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister, a teacher, and a leader. His influence on American society is pervasive. He was assassinated in 1968 while making a speech. He is definitely one of the most influential leaders America has ever had, but he was not President of the United States of America.
Was Martin Luther King Jr. a president? Has the USA had a black president?
No, the United States has never had an African-American president before. I honestly did not know if I might see it in my lifetime, and I am only 38 years old. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a very important civil rights activist and preacher who forever changed the civil rights world for the better. His contributions are endless and timeless.
We very well may have...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
our first president who is half African-American (his father was African) and half-Caucasian (his mother was white). Many people refer to Barack Obama as African-American; however, he is half-African American and half-Caucasian. Mr. Obama is very proud of his mixed heritage.
One of the things that makes me very excited that he may become president is that so many older African-Americans who never thought they would see an African-American be president will finally have that chance (hopefully). It has been amazing to be a witness to the historic nature of Obama's rise to prominence. Incredible!
While the United States has never had an African-American president, many leaders from the black community have aspired to hold the office.
As recently as the 1980s, Jesse Jackson ran unsuccessfully for president during the Reagan era. Jackson and similar leaders such as Al Sharpton and Kwaze Mfume (check that spelling) act more as social watchdogs than as national representatives.
While MLK never became president, many credit him with the successes of the civil rights era, and cite him as the motivator of today's minority and majority politicians.