Rid Racism Milwaukee’s Book Club presents: “Where Do We Go From Here” by Dr. King Jr.
Lisa Jones leads us in examining the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through the writing of his last book, Where Do We Go From Here Chaos or Community. The online book discussions cover one chapter each week on Tues. evenings through Oct 29 from 6:30–8:00 p.m. You don’t need to attend all the sessions to register and you can join the book club at anytime. Join us in finding the relevance of Dr. King’s words for meeting today’s challenges.
Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? is a pivotal 1967 book by Martin Luther King Jr., reflecting on civil rights and social justice. It was his fourth and final book before his assassination in 1968. Written during a period of isolation in Jamaica, the book emphasizes hope and the importance of unity among Americans to combat poverty and create equal opportunities.
King critiques both the Black Power movement and moderate white perspectives on racial issues, arguing that abandoning nonviolent change for militarism is detrimental. He highlights the ongoing struggles for African Americans, even after legislative reforms, and calls for radical change. The Vietnam War, in his view, diverts resources and attention from pressing domestic concerns.
Economically, King advocates for a guaranteed income as a solution to poverty, drawing on the ideas of Henry George. He argues that direct government measures should benefit individuals rather than merely sustaining a welfare state.
The book has received acclaim, with philosopher Cornel West noting King’s profound connection between intellectualism and the struggle for freedom. Its themes of basic income and wealth inequality continue to resonate, influencing contemporary discussions on social justice. A 2010 expanded edition revitalized interest and is recommended for educational use.
Please click here to register for the online book club. You can purchase your book online at any of the major sites like Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble or check out the book at your local library.