This month, Martin Luther King Jr. would have turned 96 years old.
Each year we celebrate the civil rights trailblazer on Jan. 20. It’s a day widely recognized by acts of service and parades.
As we remember MLK and his work to demand equal opportunities for all, we’re looking at how the next generation is following in his footsteps and galvanizing supporters from their phones.
Even in the early days of the civil rights movement, activists used powerful images to raise awareness of racial injustice.
“Emmett Till’s mother, to do an interview in Jet, and for that to be covered by the masses and whatnot, was a big turning point,” said Don Harrell, Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Central Florida.
Today, social media has emerged as a primary outlet for people to demand change -- from recording police brutality to documenting protests in realtime. Take the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder by police in 2020.
“There were youth and people of all races, creeds and colors who joined together en masse and demonstrated not only domestically, but around the world,” explained Harrell.
With their phones, activists, with or without experience, can catapult movements and mobilize supporters globally.
“A soundbite can be shared with millions just like that,” said Harrell.
But that’s also social media’s double-edged sword.
“It can do a lot of good, but it can do a lot of damage and bad as well,” explained Harrell.
Anyone can tell their story whether it’s true or not. Civil rights advocates say to be vigilant about where you get your information.
“No matter what happens as a result of the use or misuse of social media or technology, just keep moving forward,” said Harrell.
According to a poll by the Pew Research Center, 67% of U.S. adults say social media brings attention to important issues and gives a voice to underrepresented groups.