books about Dr. King and his legacy of social justice

As many of us may know, yesterday, April 4th, was the 40th anniversary of that fateful day when Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, jr., civil rights leader, preacher, activist and pacifist was shot dead at a hotel in Memphis, TN while in town to meet with striking garbage workers- the very next day after delivering his "I've Been to the Mountaintop" message.

I was not even born yet when this happened, but my parents have told me all about it- my father and his best friend drove from Philadelphia to attend Dr. King's viewing and funeral, and I have read many of his books and heard/watched a lot of his great speeches and sermons, as well as visiting his tomb, former church, Ebenezer Baptist, (where we worshiped that Sunday), and the national historic site in Atlanta, Georgia.

What are the books and/or speeches of Dr. King that have made the greatest impact on you?

Here are a few of mine:

Why We Can't Wait

Stride toward Freedom

Strength to Love

Letter from the Birmingham Jail

The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, jr.

Then there is that courageously prophetic sermon in which Dr. King denounces the Vietnam War and boldly calls for peace:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=b80Bsw0UG-U

Several excellent books about Dr. King and his legacy that I have read are:

Pillar of Fire : America in the King Years 1963-65 (America in the King Years)
Parting the Waters : America in the King Years 1954-63 (America in the King Years)
At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68 (America in the King Years)

all by acclaimed author Taylor Branch

Martin, Malcolm and America by James H. Cone

And the Walls Came Tumbling Down by Ralph Abernathy- an autobiography with many references to Dr. King (not all glowing, but very human)

I also have the following books on my wishlist:

I May Not Get there With You, by Michael Eric Dyson

The Race Beat, by Gene Roberts

And, of course, there is the U2 song "Pride: In the Name of Love" that is dedicated to Dr. King

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Wy0rXzJ3EFc

"One morning, April 4, shots ring out in the Memphis sky...these men that took your life, they could not take your pride. In the Name of Love- what more in the name of love?" (may not be exact words, but close- beside the point though)...

What writings, speeches, or events from Dr. King impacted you, your life and your ministry most deeply??

Please chime in...

Peace,

John

I have read "Why We Can't wait" and Cone's "Martin, Malcolm and America" Another book I suggest is "Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference" by David Garrow

Thanks much for that recommendation! I have added it to my wishlist:

"Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference" by David J. Garrow

Any others? What are others reading now?

Peace,

John