He’s back! The Father of the Civil Rights Movement’s just and unwavering spirit has returned this year to remind us of the power of peace, love, and equality (not granola). In case you haven’t deduced it yet, I’m referring to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his annual Day.
While this year Dr. King is forced to share his b-day with a presidential inauguration, that doesn’t take away from his ever-potent and tremendous influence on American culture, society, and civility. While many public figures have advocated across the decades for MLK’s legacy of fairness, harmony, and respect, the United States president’s impact on shaping the national civilization is unparalleled. Of course, as Uncle Ben would no doubt utter, “With great power comes great responsibility.” It is a vital obligation of the POTUS to promote tranquility and indeed “justice for all” in the country, whether society be dangerously tumultuous or currently calm.
So, which presidents have most effectively put MLK’s philosophy and positions in practice, and produced their own historic accomplishments as a result? Well, in chronological order, let’s take a look at the top three presidents who have achieved the goal of ensuring racial unity.
1. #16 Abraham Lincoln
- Years in Office: 1861-1865
- Greatest Accomplishment: The Emancipation Proclamation
Well . . . duh. Obviously, Honest Abe presided over the most overwhelming rift in American history, a little-known conflict dubbed the Civil War. Despite pressure to conform to Southern slave-friendly policies and militant Confederate generals, Lincoln focused on preserving the Union . . . for all Americans, black slaves included. Prez #16’s vision for an integrated and merged America persisted against the harsh opposition of a nation wrestling with racial abuse and widespread hatred, in the form of the iconic Emancipation Proclamation, signed by Lincoln in 1863 and freeing an unprecedented amount of black bondsmen. Although he made his name known long before Martin Luther King Jr. would enter the American spotlight, Abraham Lincoln shared a deed of unashamedly standing in defense of the oppressed, literally freeing them from the chains of tyranny.
2. #36 Lyndon B. Johnson
- Years in Office: 1963-1969
- Greatest Accomplishment: The Civil Rights Act (1964); The Voting Rights Act (1965)
Lyndon B. Johnson (called “LBJ” by the cool kids) was sworn in at a time of great turmoil, taking office moments after the assassination of his predecessor and during the height of racial division and upheaval. Although MLK had communicated with JFK on continued segregation and brutality against black people, nothing came to fruition in terms of a major change facilitated by the president. However, positive reforms came when LBJ took a seat in the Oval Office, often discussing forward steps that could be taken to ease the pain of White vs. Black; those conversations culminated in LBJ’s signing of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, the two most integral federal acknowledgements of the racial issue since the Emancipation Proclamation. While controversy endures regarding on whether LBJ applied his public, political view on the topic within his personal realm, his achievements in progressing towards a racially harmonious society are among the most successful in presidential history.
3. #40 Ronald Reagan
- Years in Office: 1981-1989
- Greatest Accomplishment: Commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Another President whose legacy has been somewhat marred by past statements, Ronald Reagan’s history on race may be checkered, but it nonetheless seems fitting to include the President who finally signed Martin Luther King Jr. Day into law in 1986, a grand finale to a movement that had originated since MLK’s assassination in 1968. Although that action wouldn’t complete MLK’s ultimate hope, it reminded us that we are all players in his everlasting dream of hope and unity, an objective goal that we can all find purpose in striving for.
Well, there’s the Mini-Post! Happy MLK Day, Happy New Year, Happy Inauguration (no matter who you voted for), and Happy Winter (now I’m reaching). I’ll be back again soon, but until then, remember this brilliant message:
