6. Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Written in 1967, when King isolated himself in Jamaica to focus on his writing, this is Martin Luther King, Jr.’s last book. Out of print for over ten years, it has been finally reissued by Beacon Press and will be part of a new King Legacy series that will re-print some of King’s books. Although often contained in compendiums, the book was frequently cut of two chapters, leaving readers without a true feeling for the book until now.

Some readers may struggle with the dated phrases and language in Where Do We Go from Here, but that is quickly overcome by the universal messages that continue to resonate today. Topics such as the rise of black power, the continuing struggle against racism, poverty, fair wages, protests against the Vietnam War (and war in general), and militarism, are just as relevant now as they were in 1967. While focusing on struggles, the book is also optimistic and hopeful for a better future for all.

Look for a community-wide discussion of this title this spring in the Ithaca Community. Copies will be distributed to local libraries, book discussion groups, organizations, churches, and more, so that our community can come together to learn from this important work.