The ‘I have a dream' speech, which King gave on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, was a defining moment in the civil rights movement and the course of American history. The speech founded King as one of America’s greatest orators, brought the plight of African Americans to national importance and sparked J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI, to brand him “the most dangerous man in America”.

Now a fellow at Standford University, Jones was then a lawyer who worked with King to define and shape the civil rights movement. He too endured some of the harassment that all those around King were subjected to, he was followed, photographed and had his phone tapped by the FBI. Jones humourously mentions towards the end of the evening that this is why we should buy his book: not only did he not have to research it, because he was there, but also when his memory failed him, the FBI had helpfully recorded all of his phone conversations with king, now available due to the freedom of information act.

As inspiring, interesting and funny as most of his talk was, there remained an air of nostalgia to it. When at the end, during the Q&A session, he was asked about the corrupting use of political activists such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela as "political teddy bears". This question was skipped over and forgotten, when even a brief discussion on the continuing representation of King and his legacy would have been a wholly interesting topic. More importantly addressing this question could have connected the discussion in the here and now, instead of the past.

the FBI had helpfully recorded all of his phone conversations

Though not the historic orator himself, Clarence B. Jones is a good speaker with an ear for a punch line; he brought the story vividly to life and reminded us of the importance of standing up for what you believe in. His talk seemed timely as well, as all over the Arab world people are revolting against injustice and tyranny, while we in Britain are also witnessing the most ardent protests for years as part of the stop the cuts campaign.

In contrast to all of this grassroots politics, it is all to easy to become disillusioned and apathetic about the state of the world, the inequalities and injustices. Last night, it was invigorating to be reminded that history is still going on all around us. To me, the upheaval of the '60s seemed ancient past, yet this man had within his own lifetime seen the affects of his work against oppression and discrimination. The history of the civil rights movement remains a testament to human dignity, and the changes that every generation can enact together.

Behind the Dream: The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation
(Palgrave-Macmillan, 2011)
RRP £14.99

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Clarence B. Jones at The Arnolfini

16 March 2011

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