MLK Jr. Records Made Public by FBI as Family Voices Disapproval

The Trump administration disclosed FBI surveillance records on Martin Luther King Jr. Monday, despite objections from the civil rights leader’s family. The extensive release includes over 240,000 pages that were sealed since 1977, when the FBI initially transferred them to the National Archives. King’s children, Martin III and Bernice, acknowledged the long-standing public interest in their father's assassination while urging that the materials be understood in their historical context. They emphasized the personal ramifications of their father’s death and expressed hope for empathy regarding their continuous grief. The documents reportedly encompass FBI leads following King’s assassination and the CIA's concerns about his engagement with international movements. Critics, including Rev. Al Sharpton, labeled the release as a diversion from Trump's contentious record. The King Center indicated the timing is unfortunate, urging collective action towards justice instead. As scholars delve into these records, many seek to unearth fresh insights into the Civil Rights Movement and King’s enduring legacy.

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