The untold story about MLK: Scholar honors the civil rights leader legacy

Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t only give the “I Have a Dream” speech.

He preached, prayed and was targeted by the FBI.

Gerald Smith, a University of Kentucky history professor and King scholar, spoke to about 60 people Thursday afternoon in Pugh Hall Ocora about the history of King that was left out in textbooks. He came to honor the 50th anniversary of King’s assassination this year on April 4.

The event was sponsored by the African-American Studies department, with several other UF co-sponsors.

The speech, “Rediscovering the Committee Work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” focused on the compassion King had, despite opposition from powerful figures, notably the FBI.

A tape recording meant to blackmail King, using his alleged sexual adultery, along with a letter encouraging King to commit suicide, was sent to his wife, Coretta Scott King, Smith said.

“(The Southern Christian Leadership Conference) was aware of the FBI placing recording devices in their hotel rooms, hoping to tarnish King’s image,” Smith said.

Smith also emphasized the impact King’s pastoral duties had on his social justice work.

“What kind of sermon do you preach to people when they’re faced with that kind of hatred?” Smith said.

Sade Richardson, a 20-year-old African American studies junior, said she only knew the basics of King during her history courses in grade school.

“I knew he was a pastor, but I didn’t know how much that went into his speeches,” she said.