MLK assassination files released; my takeaways

Photo: Public domain.

When I was younger, I wanted to study sociology. Not because I really knew what it was, but because Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. studied it. That was enough for me.

I saw him not just as a preacher or a leader, but as someone who wanted to understand people and society. And he used that understanding to fight for justice. That kind of faith in action lit something in me. It still does.

So when I heard the government just released over 230,000 pages of files about Dr. King’s assassination, I felt a knot in my stomach.

I want the truth, of course.

But I also know how powerful people twist the truth, especially when it comes to Black leaders who stood up and spoke out.

These documents came out because of an order from Donald Trump, and they were released under Tulsi Gabbard’s watch as Director of National Intelligence.

The files show how hard the FBI tried to destroy Dr. King.

They spied on him.

They bugged his phones.

They followed him.

They tried to break him.

Not because he was violent, but because he was powerful.

His power came from the people and from his faith.

Some of the documents talk about James Earl Ray’s conversations in prison.

There are hints that he might not have acted alone. We don’t know for sure. No clear proof yet. But enough to stir up more questions.

Still, the bigger story isn’t just who fired the shot. It’s why this country was so afraid of Dr. King in the first place.

The King family has asked people to handle these records with care and respect.

They’re afraid people will take the worst bits and use them to try and smear him again. And they’re right to be worried. That’s what systems of power do. They don’t just try to kill you. They try to bury your legacy.

As a Christian, I believe in truth. But I also believe truth needs love.

Dr. King lived that. He spoke truth with courage and conviction. And he rooted it in hope.

That scared people. It still does.

Even now, when churches speak out for justice, people tell us to be quiet.

They say it’s too political.

They say it’s not our place.

But silence isn’t neutral.

Silence helps the oppressor.

Always has.

Our Catholic siblings know this story well.

I’ve seen priests and bishops stand up for immigrants, only to be told to stay out of politics.

I’ve seen Catholic laypeople speak out about human rights, only to be accused of going too far. But they’re just living their faith.

Catholic social teaching is clear.

Protect the vulnerable.

Defend the dignity of every person.

Welcome the stranger.

That’s not a political statement. That’s the Gospel.

Pope Francis and Pope Leo have reminded the Church to stand with the poor and the marginalized.

They warned against turning religion into nationalism.

Their message is simple: If you claim to follow Jesus, then act like it.

That’s our call too.

Whether we’re Catholic or Protestant, whether we wear a collar or not, we’re all responsible.

Faith is not about playing it safe. It’s about showing up.

Dr. King showed up.

He preached.

He marched. He studied.

He prayed.

He dreamed.

And it cost him everything.

These files won’t erase his truth. If anything, they show just how powerful he was.

So let them be a wake-up call.

Let them stir us up.

Let them push us to speak, to serve, to act with boldness and love.

Because Dr. King didn’t just talk about justice.

He lived it.

And if we want to honor him, so must we.