Loading ...What Does MLK Day Mean to the Arab American Community?
By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer
On the third Monday of every January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated in the United States, a day to honor his pivotal role in advancing racial equality. While King undeniably made a profound impact in the fight against racial discrimination, his disregard for the suffering of Palestinians complicates his legacy as a symbol of justice.
Globally recognized as a beacon of justice, equality, and freedom, King’s powerful sermons on peace and justice continue to inspire people across generations and borders.
In 1955, the courageous acts of Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks, who refused to give up their seats on segregated buses, sparked the Montgomery bus boycott. Led by Martin Luther King Jr. and organized by Edgar Nixon, the boycott lasted 385 days, during which King faced threats, the bombing of his home, and arrest for a minor traffic violation—events that drew national media attention. The boycott ended with the landmark Browder v. Gayle ruling, which struck down bus segregation in Montgomery, cementing King’s role as a prominent leader of the civil rights movement.
King’s leadership extended to marches advocating for voting rights, desegregation, labor rights, and other essential freedoms. His efforts contributed directly to legislative milestones such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
With such monumental achievements, one might expect an inspirational figure like King to show empathy for the Palestinians, particularly the refugees. Instead, King publicly advocated for unconditional support for Israel.
Some speculate that, had he been alive today, King would have spoken out against the war in Gaza. Michelle Alexander argues that many civil rights activists and organizations remain silent, not out of a lack of concern for Palestinians but out of fear—fear of losing funding and being falsely labeled as anti-Semitic. These concerns threaten to undermine their vital social justice work, and King, too, may have been influenced by such pressures.
While this may hold some truth, it’s important to consider the more sympathetic stances taken by some of King’s contemporaries. When compared to figures like Kwame Ture, Malcolm X, and Angela Davis, one might argue that King could have done more. At the very least, he could have refrained from voicing unconditional support for Israel and chosen to remain neutral.
Malcolm X, for instance, described Zionism as “a new form of colonialism” masquerading as “benevolent” and “philanthropic.” He questioned the justification for Israel’s land claims by drawing a parallel to the Moors’ historical rule over the Iberian Peninsula. Do the Moors have the right to invade Spain and displace its inhabitants today because they once lived there? He asserted that “[The] occupation of Arab Palestine has no intelligent or legal basis in history.”
Similarly, Angela Davis has been an avid supporter of justice for Palestinians. In a 2020 speech at the University of Michigan, Angela Davis highlighted the racism perpetuated by the state of Israel and argued that, had Dr. King been alive today, he would have been at the forefront of the fight for Palestinian rights as part of his broader struggle against racial injustice.
In conclusion, while King’s contributions to racial equality and justice are monumental, his failure to acknowledge or address the suffering of Palestinians presents a complex contradiction in his legacy. Though his leadership in advancing civil rights was groundbreaking, a more nuanced stance on Palestine could have better aligned with his broader commitment to justice for all. Figures like Malcolm X and Angela Davis, who spoke out against the injustices faced by Palestinians, provide a compelling contrast. While many activists speculate that King, had he been alive today, might have expanded his vision of justice to include the plight of the Palestinian people, it seems more productive to honor those whose vision for justice is already more inclusive.
Arwa Almasaari is a scholar, writer, and editor with a Ph.D. in English, specializing in Arab American studies. She often writes about inspirational figures, children’s literature, and celebrating diversity. You can contact her at arwa_phd@outlook.com
