Every year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day reminds us of the incredible legacy of its namesake. As one of the most recognizable faces of the Civil Rights Movement, King made connections across the country. He even counted some of Hollywood’s elite among his list of supporters, including Marlon Brando. In 1964, Brando sent King a telegram regarding this support, which has since become an important piece of Americana.
GettyIn the telegram, Brando expressed his regret at not being able to join King in what he called “activities of liberation” due to recent health issues. However, he made his feelings on King’s cause very clear. “I feel that those who take active part in demonstrations for equality and freedom are the heroes of our time,” the actor wrote. “I regard it as an honorable duty to participate.” Despite not being able to stand beside King and other leaders in this instance, Brando was a major supporter of the Civil Rights Movement.
Brando Supported the Civil Rights Movement
GettyThe 1964 telegram to King wasn’t the beginning of Brando’s participation in the Civil Rights Movement. Several 1963 photographs show the actor walking in solidarity with CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) protestors in Torrance, California, one of the many times he lent his time and money to the cause throughout the 1960s. He also famously participated in the pivotal March on Washington that same year.
In 1968, Brando addressed King’s heartbreaking death in an interview with Johnny Carson. “King got shot, and I sat in front of the television set, and I wondered what it meant to me [that] he’s dead,” Brando began. He eloquently recalled King’s last words from the night before his death. ” I thought somehow this has got to matter somewhere,” Brando said. “And if we don’t — all the citizens — do something that is a person-to-person contribution, I don’t think that we’re really gonna have any place to come home to if we do get a job.”
The actor then expressed how he planned to continue the fight. “I couldn’t think of any other alternative rather than to make my time, my energies, and my money fully available to do what I can as an individual.” As I Love Ancestry reported, Brando donated thousands of dollars and even decided to forgo a movie role so he could devote more time to participating in the movement.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy Lives On
GettyAlthough King died long before he could personally see his vision for peace and equality realized, his tragic passing lit a new fire. Like Brando, many came to see King’s death as a renewed call to action. Sixty years later, Martin’s legacy lives on through what the movement accomplished. The beloved leader is also remembered for his public speaking talents, including the last words he ever said to his followers.
“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life,” King said in what would be his final speech. “Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now.” He went on to say that God had allowed him to climb the proverbial mountain. “And I’ve looked over,” King said. “And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we as a people, will get to the promised land.” That journey is still ongoing, thanks to King and other Civil Rights Movement leaders being brave enough to take the first steps.
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