Martin Luther King Jr. in Philadelphia: A Historical Visit with a Contemporary Message

As part of our observance of Black History Month, please join us on Sunday, February 1, for a special program with Arthur Sudler, Director of the Historical Society and Archives at the African American Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, who will present on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s visit to Philadelphia in February 1968.

Drawing on historical records and reporting, Sudler will share about where King went and who he met with, including his time at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. We will also focus on King’s messaging about systemic racism and economic injustice as well as how King’s words were covered by the media in his own time—and what each one reveals about the political and moral urgency of his witness. The program will conclude with time for us to consider what King’s visit to Philadelphia asks of us in our own moment.