Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story

King Legacy Series #1

By: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Narrated by: JD Jackson

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s account of the first successful large-scale application of nonviolent resistance in America is comprehensive, revelatory, and intimate. King described his book as "the chronicle of 50,000 Negroes who took to heart the principles of nonviolence, who learned to fight for their rights with the weapon of love, and who, in the process, acquired a new estimate of their own human worth." Stride Toward Freedom traces the phenomenal journey of a community and shows how the 26-year-old King, with his conviction for equality and nonviolence, helped transform the nation and the world.

©1958 Martin Luther King, Jr. Copyright renewed 1986 by Coretta Scott King, Dexter King, Martin Luther King III, Yolanda King, Bernice King. Introduction Copyright 2010 Clayborne Carson (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Martin Luther King's early words return to us today with enormous power, as profoundly true, as wise and inspiring, now as when he wrote them 50 years ago." (Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States)

A look into the mind of Dr King

I chose this title to know more about the bus boycott in my hometown of Montgomery. As a child of nine at the time, about all I knew was that we starting driving our maid home after work. What I learned was far beyond a long overdue history lesson. Dr. King's explication of the characteristics of non-violent resistance was so clear and inspiring. His constant invocation of proper Christian behavior was also encouraging. With all the hatred and division in the world today, what an uplifting story of the refusal to hate bringing justice and dignity to a righteous cause.

Every American Should Listen to These Words

I’ve never fully (and won’t ever) understand segregation or racism, but this account of history has given me a better understanding of this important historical event in the civil rights movement. More so, it makes me long for a renewed interest in the teachings of MLK, specifically nonviolent resistance and Christian love in action, rather than a tertiary interest in the generic cause of civil rights. MLK proved with his life that works without love is just noise.

A Must Read Book For All People

The words and writings of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. are inspiring. His teachings and the principles he promotes should be emulated by everyone. The narration of this book is fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book and narration.

Inspirational account of leadership

This book was published in 1958 by the subject. As such, there are times when it seems very dated indeed. Not only the language he uses, but his high regard for the "respected" white establishment has a solicitous tone that is almost shocking in a modern context.

Of course, much of the prose is inspiring. What I found perhaps more interesting was the firsthand account of the organizational decisions that were made during the events chronicled. You always hear that MLK was a good leader, but this telling really details his skill and process of organizing individuals into a movement.

It was poignant, on the holiday in his honor, to hear him speak of threats to his life and implore his constituents to continue with or without their spokesman. And it was bittersweet to hear his visions for the future; in hindsight, some may have been realized beyond his hopes, but far too many have yet to come to fruition even 58 years later.

The narrator did a very good job of invoking Dr. King's voice without sounding like an imitator (this is a big deal - the wrong reader could easily have ruined this selection.)

Timeless story of people taking a stand

Loved it, a real treasure. An experience that can only be offered by an audiobook.
Mlk gives a clear and concise account of his move to Montgomery and related events.
Full of Timeless wisdom.

Evocative tale speaking to our current world

Dr. King was incredibly eloquent and insightful. His description of the Montgomery bus boycott describes the challenges faced by the entire community. He describes both sides with empathy even though he was clearly a leader of the boycott. His ideas and thorough research regarding nonviolent resistance is still relevant in today's world. The narrator's speech , accent, and eloquence is very evocative of Dr. King. Excellent book and narration! I would love to hear this narrator record more of Dr. King's hopeful and inspiring works!

Stride toward Freedom

I have always admired and respected Dr. King. The Rosa Parks story and the bus boycott brought about needed change, and it was a dark hour when Dr. King lost his life. However, this book meandered, and at times, could even be called boring. I probably won't be reading the next 2 books.😍😥

Important background on how King got his start

Definitely worth reading. I found the narration ponderous. Once I set it to 1.25 speed it sounded great.

Recommend Listening

great narration! wonderful prose! fascinating story! Not only an insipration to live life with a higher moral purpose but extremely interesting details on what it took to organize and sustain a successful year long bus boycott!

Beautiful In All Respects

A very important message for all to hear, especially in this time of great division in our nation. Beautifully narrated in a voice that evokes MLK without stooping to impersonate him. A treasure.