Discussing King's Rhetoric of Freedom

A diverse group of rhetoric scholars gathered today to critique and exchange thoughts on Pepperdine University professor Gary Selby's book Martin Luther King and the Rhetoric of Freedom.

The panel was sponsored by the Public Address Division of the NCA and chaired by Martin Medhurst from Baylor University. During the session, Selby had a chance to listen and debate the thoughts that his book induced in three renowned members of the NCA: Carolyn, Calloway-Thomas, Mark McPhail and Michael Leff. 

Selby's work highlights the central role of the Exodus story in the civil rights movement, arguing that it theologically legitimated the protest. His analysis serves as prove that King's rhetoric was a great contribution to the movement's successes and made him the undisputed leader of the events that took place in the 1960s.

According to Mark McPhail from Southern Methodist University, Selby's book reflects his deep understanding of Martin Luther King's legacy to the civil rights movement and to American history.

On the other hand, McPhail also suggested that there needs to be a more profound analysis of the history of the civil rights movement to identify and do justice to other men and women whose roles were incredibly vital to the process.

A podcast of the panel is available at http://ncapress.org/podcasts/ and Selby's book, published by Baylor University Press, can be purchased at the convention.