The Centered and Critical Scholar-Activism of Martin Luther King, Jr.

This book investigates the often neglected research concerning Martin Luther King, Jr. and his scholar-activism. The focus is on finding evidence of intellectual leadership within King's writings in an effort to classify King within the Scholar- Activist paradigm in Africana Studies. Some of the most respected scholars in Africana Studies ascribe differing levels of status to King's contributions to African American history and to the field. Does King measure up to the Scholar-Activist paradigm? If he does or does not, should the paradigm be expanded and redefined to include King? Does King's work support the case for inclusion? King's book-length writings demonstrate a consistency of themes, which include eight major foci:(1) Economic Justice;(2) Racial Equality;(3) Existentialism;(4)Social Activism;(5)Theology;(6)Revolution and Leadership;(7) Black Liberation and Ideology; and (8) Anti- Militarism. Keatts concludes that diversity of methodological approaches within Africana Studies is normal, that King meets all of the requirements for inclusion in the Scholar-Activist paradigm, and his writings should be considered for inclusion into the field.

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Quenton L. Keatts is a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology at Virginia Tech, concentrating in Africana Studies and Race. He holds a Master's degree in Divinity from Virginia Union University and Master's degrees in Sociology and History from Virginia Tech. Rev. Keatts is the pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Wicomico Church, VA.