'I Have a Dream' is MLK's most radical speech — not because of what he said then, but because of how America has changed since

'I Have a Dream' is MLK's most radical speech — not because of what he said then, but because of how America has changed since

It’s been called “the moment that changed everything,” the day America “turned the mystic corner,” and “the greatest political speech of the 20th century.” As the nation

It’s been called “the moment that changed everything,” the day America “turned the mystic corner,” and “the greatest political speech of the 20th century.” As the nation

celebrates the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s national holiday tomorrow, millions of Americans will once again hear what has become the day’s unofficial soundtrack: King’s “I

celebrates the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s national holiday tomorrow, millions of Americans will once again hear what has become the day’s unofficial soundtrack: King’s “I

Have a Dream” speech. The speech King gave 60 years ago in Washington has been endlessly replayed, dissected and misquoted. It’s his most famous speech. But here’s another

Have a Dream” speech. The speech King gave 60 years ago in Washington has been endlessly replayed, dissected and misquoted. It’s his most famous speech. But here’s another

way to look at it: It is also the most radical speech King ever delivered. That declaration might sound like sacrilege to those who will point to King’s thunderous

way to look at it: It is also the most radical speech King ever delivered. That declaration might sound like sacrilege to those who will point to King’s thunderous

takedowns of war, poverty and capitalism in other sermons. But “I Have a Dream” has arguably become his most radical speech — not because of what he said but because of how

takedowns of war, poverty and capitalism in other sermons. But “I Have a Dream” has arguably become his most radical speech — not because of what he said but because of how

America has changed since that day. Forget the nonthreatening version of the speech you’ve been taught that emphasizes King’s benign vision of Black, White and brown

America has changed since that day. Forget the nonthreatening version of the speech you’ve been taught that emphasizes King’s benign vision of Black, White and brown

Americans living in blissful racial harmony. The core concept in King’s dream is racial integration – and it still terrifies many people 60 years later.

Americans living in blissful racial harmony. The core concept in King’s dream is racial integration – and it still terrifies many people 60 years later.

Integration is “too threatening to the status quo to ever consider fully,” says Calvin Baker, author of “A More Perfect Reunion: Race, Integration, and the Future of America.”

Integration is “too threatening to the status quo to ever consider fully,” says Calvin Baker, author of “A More Perfect Reunion: Race, Integration, and the Future of America.”

The concept of integration that King evoked in his “I Have a Dream” speech is the most “radical, discomfiting and transformative” idea in US politics, adds Baker, a

The concept of integration that King evoked in his “I Have a Dream” speech is the most “radical, discomfiting and transformative” idea in US politics, adds Baker, a

novelist and professor at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York.

novelist and professor at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York.