Where Do We Go From Here

King explains the disadvantages under which the civil rights movement has worked and analyzes the role of the government. For King, the government is willing to support programs but expects Black people to plan them. This divests the white majority from responsibility. What is important is not the planning of programs but the will to implement them.

King admits that until the mid-1960s, the movement was not working on the development of power. Nonviolent protests were effective but needed strategic organization. For King, because oppressed people struggle to develop awareness, the civil rights movement should explore its possibilities through its setbacks and creativity.

King explores the ways African Americans influence culture. He notes several Black intellectuals who have influenced white American thought. Black people reveal the weaknesses of American democracy, and their activism sets an example for white society. Despite their cultural invisibility, African Americans expose the “shame” of racism. King emphasizes nonviolence as a powerful practice.

King examines the economic oppression and exclusion of African Americans while noting their potential powers. Despite enormous obstacles, the success of Black businesses demonstrates Black people’s competence. King emphasizes the high number of Black people employed as workers and finds “potential strength” in the organized workforce. He notes that workers could unite under common interests and transcend racial prejudice. The labor movement allowed a degree of mobility. As the majority of African Americans are “working people,” the union movement is significant for their destinies. As economic issues come to the forefront, the labor movement should be key for Black people as a means of social reform. King suggests that African Americans should renew their relationship with the movement and exert influence.

King also emphasizes the power of Black people as consumers, noting that boycotts have proved to be an effective strategy against discrimination. Negotiation is also a useful tool in challenging the discriminatory policies of companies that exclude Black people from jobs while they profit from them as consumers. When companies sense economic pressure, they meet Black people’s demands.

African Americans also have growing power in politics. As the Black population has risen in major Northern cities, King stresses their electoral force, especially toward the Democratic Party. Black votes are also powerful in the South as they could weaken racist politicians. Up to the mid-1960s, Black leaders could not influence policy. King suggests that a new goal for the movement should be the increase in Black people’s participation in electoral democracy. Black people should influence debates through a strong political voice.

King addresses the weaknesses of Black leaders. He argues that many Black people are suspicious of Black politicians because they are often under the control of whites. Hence, they lack political power and remain subordinate. African Americans must elect leaders who embody their values and principles.

Black people must also develop “political alliances.” New alliances with political groups must be formed to take advantage of common interests. King notes that alliances are key to political progress. Groups that persist in discrimination should be excluded.

King notes that working-class whites could ally with Black people against economic oppression. The reason Black votes in the North are not influential is that Black people have not used direct action as in the South. King urges Black people to reject the belief that political participation is futile and engage collectively, regardless of their background, in intense political activism. Through social action, education reveals its potential. Civil rights activists must galvanize the Black community to empower their lives.

Radical change needs strong organization. King recognizes and criticizes the disunity and passivity among civil rights organizations at the time and suggests that activists must return to their original goals. An organized community can pressure governments to enforce the law. King suggests that African Americans should build powerful organizations for future progress. Black leaders should engage with the Black working class and underprivileged communities to gain their respect.

Finally, King emphasizes the effects of economic oppression on both Black and white people. He stresses key measures against poverty: a housing program for the improvement of living conditions, educational facilities to create employment opportunities, and assistance to families. He notes that programs to address these needs are often stalled and stagnated due to government inaction. King argues that the solution to poverty is “guaranteed income.” A guaranteed income would render economically disadvantaged people active and would enable them to improve their lives and create change. Black and white people must ally and act together against economic injustice. King urges Americans to eliminate poverty.