The legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) will forever be stamped in the history of America. His ability to organize the masses, challenge the United States government and status quo, and win some battles in the fight for liberation are feats worthy of deep reverence. However, his inspiring messages and symbolism dramatically triggered white supremist attitudes. Some white Americans, like J. Edgar Hoover (former FBI director, 48 years), can be recognized by their fear of Black progress in America. They employ any and all of their resources to limit, block, and destroy movements to free Black Americans from the shackles we’ve carried more that 400 years. The declassified information from the FBI in the film MLK/FBI highlights some of the plots used to carry out their mission.
One such tactic is the use of informants and agents provocateurs, people who entice others to commit crimes or act irrationally. Organizing people requires the trust of people, but without checks and balances, people are able work in their own or alternative interests. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) paid people, like Ernest Withers, to spy on and document the actions of leaders to gain insight and, ultimately, the advantage. Transgression of this kind proves to be devastating and begs the question of how to inspire loyalty to the movement for liberation.
Another strategy was the consistent surveillance of interested individuals. The FBI bugged and wiretapped hotel rooms, offices, and even the homes of activists to gather information that could be used against them. Hoover was especially interested in the personal life of MLK, seeking evidence to prove MLK’s extramarital affairs. His perverted antics led the FBI down a path which, unsuccessfully, sought to discredit MLK’s character. Even the most advanced technology of the 60s could only capture so much information but consider what technological advancements have been made since to fill the gaps.
Further, the FBI had influence over mainstream media. Control over the narrative bears extreme political power to facilitate the content of conversations and beliefs of the masses. The FBI utilized their platforms to present themselves as the “protectors of the American Dream” and those who thought otherwise as the enemy. It’s unimaginable to think a man preaching nonviolence to be declared a “national security threat.” Simultaneously, they have the support and resources of the United States government which include money, people, technology, access, courts, etc. to execute their plans. With almost limitless tools at their disposal, they could do more than quell MLK’s movement, and they did.
COINTELPRO, the FBI’s counterintelligence program, is used to neutralize organization considered disruptive to US political stability. They’ve operated against groups like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Black Panther Party, Nation of Islam, The Socialist Worker’s Party, etc. What may connect each of these entities is their fight against oppression, white supremacy, and exploitation all with the hope of creating a “more balanced” America. With such a presumably good cause, why would anyone oppose it and how can we negotiate with them?
MLK/FBI seems to aides in the reclassification of the FBI as a terrorist organization which should be held accountable for their actions against the rights and dignity of American citizens. This movie reminds us that the agenda of the United States can be for the advancement of some populations at the expense of others. Their mission, unaligned with the very folks who’ve helped build and sustain this county. This film shares the FBI’s perspective of MLK and could be used to inform our approach to achieving liberation.
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” -Sun Tzu
