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Choose hope, family and friends over politicians, say leaders during Interfaith Forum at Salt Lake Tabernacle
Martin Luther King III, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Nobel Prize leader call for hope in connection
Gov. Spencer Cox & Martin Luther King III Discuss Bridging Political Divides
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R), South Carolina former Gov. David Beasley (R), and Martin Luther King III discussed how faith leaders and political leaders can bridge political divides. They each shared a call to action, which included breaking bread with someone of a different background, working to make the world a better place, and preaching hope. The Salt Lake Tabernacle hosted the discussion.
Six decades of politics (but little government)
The first aired episode of “Star Trek,” entitled “The Man Trap,” premiered on September 8, 1966 — 60 years ago today. I’m actually editing a political science fiction issue of The Forum right now, and it’s prompted to me think a lot about the ways that Trek deals with politics and government and what it’s offered us as commentary. The @smotus report is a reader-supported publication. To support this work, please become a paid subscriber. Subscribe The original TV series ran from 1966 to 1969. It had a loyal but modest following, but the audience grew substantially with the series in syndication for years after that. The franchise developed its first motion picture in 1979, followed by five sequels, and then a whole other series of films built around the “Next Generation” series that first aired in 1987. In recent decades, several more TV series have built up around it, including the current “Strange New Worlds,” now in its fourth season. Throughout the past six decades, the franchise has offered us a good many insights into US politics and international relations, although often disguised as science fiction yarns. The original series was largely a Cold War fable, with the United Federation of Planets (a stand-in for the US) perpetually at odds with the Klingon Empire (a stand-in for the USSR). The “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield” episode (1969) posited a planet divided into two races, largely indistinguishable to outsiders, but nonetheless constituting a brutal racial hierarchy. “Patterns of Force” (1968) showed a struggling planet where the leader had attempted to construct a benevolent dictatorship — literally Nazism without bigotry — and found that authoritarianism could not exist apart from hierarchy and oppression. (Relatedly, I’d put “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country,” high on a list of dad films about the end of the Cold War, near “The Hunt for Red October.”) Get 20% off for 1 year Indeed, the original series itself was something of a political statement, with a multi-racial crew running the Enterprise, a diverse and largely peaceful Federation mostly free from want and oppression, and protected by Starfleet, an armed force whose scientific mission was at least as important as its military one. Famously, when Nichelle Nichols wanted to walk away from the role of Uhura on the original series, none other than Martin Luther King, Jr. met with her and urged her to remain on the show, discussing the importance of viewers seeing an intelligent Black woman as part of the command team three centuries hence. Later series in the Trek franchise offered a good deal of political commentary on their own, but probably none as explicitly and incisively as “Deep Space Nine,” which ran from 1993 to 1999. The episodes surrounding the Dominion War, especially the “In The Pale Moonlight” (1998), showed the compromises, sacrifices, and moral rot associated with winning even a just war — probably better than any series would until “Andor” (2022-25). In “Far Beyond The Stars” (1998), Captain Benjamin Sisko is somehow transplanted to the role of a science fiction writer in 1950s New York. The writer is frequently sidelined and his ideas stolen because publishers don’t want to credit a Black writer. Several series have depicted the secretive Section 31 — an unacknowledged black ops security force operating within Starfleet. These episodes often end up using Section 31 as a foil to show the dangers of a lawless group within a lawful society, even (especially) when that group posits itself as essential for everyone else’s freedom to continue. The current “Strange New Worlds” has played with a few political themes. I found the first two seasons of this show among the best that the Trek franchise has produced in decades, but this season and the last have really been struggling for ideas. Yet one interesting thread is the idea that the diplomatic and enlightened leadership style of Captain Christopher Pike will not work in all situations. “A Quality of Mercy” (2022), which I wrote about here, puts Pike in the middle of a battle with a Romulan vessel in an alternate timeline, and finds that Pike’s conciliatory style would actually make a lengthy and deadly war more likely, while a quick and more violent approach might have prevented the war. This season’s opener, “Valles Marineris,” shows a pre-lightspeed civilization locked in a war to the death with a neighboring planet. The idea of an alliance or a federation hasn’t even occurred to them — their ship’s commander is curious but doesn’t see it as an option. For a franchise as political as “Star Trek,” one thing we almost never see is the government. We get occasional glimpses of Starfleet’s council — mostly uniformed people at a rectangular table — but almost no sense of how the Federation is governed. Are there elections? Who is in the legislature? How much power does the president have? What kind of factional divisions do they wrestle with and how? The shows and films are pretty silent on this. We’ve seen a few military tribunals within Starfleet, but little about how civilians deal with crime and injustice. With recent years seeing some of the franchise’s more interesting plot lines and casts, it seems clear that Star Trek is still full of energy and ideas. Given the erosion of American democracy and the reshuffling of the international order, there’s no shortage of material for future shows to comment on. I’m not sure we should toast to 60 more years, but cheers to a show that continues to teach us about ourselves. Share
Carmen Schools of Science & Technology Northwest Comes to the Harambee Neighborhood
More than 300 people came out on Saturday, July 25 to welcome Carmen Schools of Science & Technology Northwest to the Harambee neighborhood. The free block party attracted community leaders, neighbors, students, families, and alumni to the school’s new campus at 3215 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Carmen Northwest Principal Ashlei Miller cut […]
Gainesville Black Business Expo draws dozens of vendors to MLK Jr. Center
Dozens of local businesses gathered at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for the Gainesville Black Business Expo.
Citizen Science Lab’s new home brings hope to Herron Avenue corridor
The Citizen Science Lab expanded into the newly renovated, previously long-abandoned Martin Luther King, Jr. Reading and Cultural Center in the Hill District.
I-285 shutdown impacts SW Atlanta businesses during construction project: ‘It’s been very slow’
GDOT shut down a two-mile stretch of I-285 in both directions between Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Cascade Road from Friday night through Monday morning.
Thousands rally in birthplace of Civil Rights Movement to defend Black political representation
A crowd of thousands gathered in front of the city’s historic Alabama Capitol, the place where the Confederacy was formed in 1861 and where the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke in 1965 at the end of the Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March.
Temple volunteers prepared local rec centers for spring, summer sports
Students, staff and faculty removed trash and debris from the Dendy and Martin Luther King Recreation Centers in an event organized through the Owls for Philly program.
Great Entertainment
Director Jamil A.C. Mangan and actor Torrey Linder, who stars as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., preview Playhouse on Park's production of "The Mountaintop".
Jesse Jackson obituary: charismatic civil rights leader who ran for president
Jackson was a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. before carving out his own place in the African-American struggle
From Operation Breadbasket to presidential politics, here's how Rev. Jesse Jackson shaped Chicago
A protege of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson left an indelible mark on Chicago. WBEZ's Somer Van Benton has the story of his legacy in the city.
How the Rev. Jesse Jackson transformed American politics : Consider This from NPR
The Rev. Jesse Jackson died this week at the age of 84. The civil rights leader, minister, and protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. helped shape the modern Democratic Party.Abby Phillip is an anchor at CNN and the author of A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power. She says Jackson’s impact on politics can be traced back to his 1984 and 1988 failed presidential bids.The top of this episode features additional reporting from NPR's Cheryl Corley.This episode was produced by Erika Ryan and Connor Donevan with audio engineering by Hannah Gluvna and Ted Mebane. It was edited by John Ketchum. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, leader of Civil Rights Movement for decades, dies at 84
Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement after the revered leader's assassination, died Tuesday.
Bust of Martin Luther King Jr., on Display at U.S. Capitol Bears Witness to Politics, Presidential History, and Changing America
Forty years ago, a bronze bust of Martin Luther King Jr., by Boston John Wilson, was installed in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
ECU Health leaders reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
ECU Health had the opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in events across eastern North Carolina.
35th MLK Humanitarian Awards highlight tribute concert
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR COLORADO HOLIDAY COMMISSION Denver News: A charitable foundation that was founded in 1931 to address inequities for Black Americans, an Eaglecrest High School senior who plans to attend college in Japan and the Denver Police Department’s first female African American division chief were among those honored when the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado […]
Remembering the East-West game at Dodger Stadium
Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Sweeny Murti at MLB.com wrote about a game at Dodger Stadium 56 years ago that honored the memory of King, two years after his death. The East-West Major League Baseball Classic was played on May 28, 1970, and featured 23 Hall of Famers who either played or […]
Detroit Pistons 104-103 Boston Celtics: Eastern Conference leaders win
The Detroit Pistons hold on to beat the Boston Celtics 104-103 in a game between the Eastern Conference's top two teams on Martin Luther King Jr Day.
‘An antidote to hopelessness’: At MLK Jr. Day events across Boston, people call for action amid political turmoil
The work Martin Luther King Jr. fought for is being dismantled by the Trump administration, journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said.
Donald Trump doesn't acknowledge Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
President Donald Trump has not recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2026 through official statements, proclamation or activity.
Dem Rep. Troy Carter: We must ‘make sure that the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King is real’
What's open and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026? See which stores are operating today.
Most stores on Monday are open during their regular business hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with a few exceptions.
Monday Morning Politics; NJ Education Under Future Gov. Sherrill; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Protest and Ideology | The Brian Lehrer Show
Monday Morning Politics; NJ Education Under Future Gov. Sherrill; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Protest and Ideology
What to watch for in WPIAL sports for Jan. 19, 2026: South Fayette, West Allegheny vie for Section 3-5A lead
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. day as the holiday brings a busy slate of WPIAL girls basketball games.
The current US political climate is spurring a 'reclaim' and rallying on the MLK holiday
As communities across the country prepare Monday to host parades, panels and service projects for the 40th anniversary of when the federal government officially began observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the current political climate has left some feeling more fraught than festive when it comes to how to honor the slain civil rights icon.
The current US political climate is spurring a 'reclaim' and rallying on the MLK holiday
As communities across the country prepare Monday to host parades, panels and service projects for the 40th anniversary of when the federal government officially began observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the current political climate has left some fee...
West Hartford Business Buzz: January 19, 2026 - We-Ha
A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses. Business Buzz is sponsored by NBT Bank, and we are very thankful for their support! By Ronni Newton Today is Martin Luther King Day and although it’s a federal holiday and many people have the day off, please note that
How Long, Not Long
After marching from Selma, Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the state capitol in Montgomery, Alabama, and called for nonviolence in the fight for equality and justice for all Americans.
Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream ... about health care
A doctor from Nigeria tells what Martin Luther King Jr. taught him about health, Justice and inequality.
Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream ... about health care
A doctor from Nigeria tells what Martin Luther King Jr. taught him about health, Justice and inequality.
How DreamWeek San Antonio promotes mental health, honors MLK legacy
The city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. March is set for Jan. 19, with DreamWeek, a separate series of events, running through Jan. 31.
Phoebe Putney Health System to host Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration
Phoebe Putney Health System to host Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration
MLK Health Fair returns to Crossroads Bellevue
Jan. 19 event offers resources and live performances in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy
Dave Chappelle reacts to white Charlie Kirk fans calling him 'this generation's Martin Luther King' in new special
Dave Chappelle reacts to white Charlie Kirk fans calling the assassinated conservative media personality 'this generation's Martin Luther King' in his new Netflix special, 'The Unstoppable.'
Abby Phillip’s 'A Dream Deferred' chronicles Jesse Jackson’s rise to political esteem : NPR's Book of the Day
Rev. Jesse Jackson is well-known as an icon of the American Civil Rights Movement, a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., and a steadfast activist — but he has quite a past in electoral politics, too. A Dream Deferred charts Jackson’s rise to political prominence during his 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, as the first major Black candidate for U.S. president. In today’s episode, author and CNN anchor Abby Phillip talks with NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe about her debut biography, and how Jackson himself approached politics and activism with separate mindsets.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday