MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.: LEGAL AND MORAL GATEKEEPER RIGHTS

Authors

James B. Taschner

Abstract

America is more politically divided than ever, especially regarding issues of racial justice. In the wake of the 2020 George Floyd protests, many people became politically active and began speaking out who had previously remained on the sidelines. But joining the conversation on race in America comes with criticism from all sides. Using the case example of Justin Bieber and his 2021 album Justice, which uses audio recordings of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s most famous speeches, this article will explore the question of who has a claim to MLK’s legacy. Criticized and praised for his use of MLK’s words and ideas, Justin Bieber’s foray into racial discourse allows this piece to explore to what extent gatekeeping hinders the advancement of justice.

Recommended Citation

James B. Taschner, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.: LEGAL AND MORAL GATEKEEPER RIGHTS, 45 W. New Eng. L. Rev. 72 (2023), https://digitalcommons.law.wne.edu/lawreview/vol45/iss1/4