The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” These words, written in 1947 while King was attending Morehouse College, are as profound today as they were then. For Atlanta Public Schools (APS) — the district that helped nurture Dr. King during his formative years — the question of what we owe him is not rhetorical but deeply personal and pressing.
King’s educational journey began within APS. At the age of 5, he attended Yonge Street Colored School, which he was required to leave because of the formal enrollment age rules at the time. He later attended Howard Junior High School, graduating with distinction, before moving on to Washington High School. In 1944, the same year his sister Willie Christine graduated, King completed his high school studies at Morehouse College, entering at just 15 years old. One thing that stood out throughout King’s youth was his talent as a skilled orator, winning him honors in competitive speech competitions.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Education was not merely a pathway to personal success for King; it was a civil right and a cornerstone of equality. He envisioned desegregated schools that provided equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of race or background.
King’s journey as a global civil rights leader began in Atlanta, a city renowned for its legacy of Black excellence in education. APS played a vital role in shaping his early development, equipping him with the foundational tools to lead a movement that transformed the nation.
As stewards of the very school system that influenced him, what do we owe King’s legacy? At its heart, we owe him a school system that reflects his vision: one that prioritizes equity, critical thinking and character development for every student.
King’s fight for justice compels us to confront the ongoing inequities within our schools. Though APS has made significant progress in improving graduation rates and student outcomes, systemic disparities in resources, opportunities and support persist. Many students in underserved communities still face barriers that hinder their ability to succeed academically and personally.
To truly honor King, APS must intensify its efforts to close these gaps. This requires providing all students with access to high-quality teachers, a rigorous curriculum, mental health resources and the tools necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world.
King believed that education should empower individuals to challenge injustice and create a more equitable society. APS must strive to produce academically successful students along with socially conscious leaders capable of critical thought and courageous action.
Integrating programs that promote civic engagement, cultural awareness and an understanding of civil rights history into the curriculum is essential. These are not optional additions but necessary components of a well-rounded education. By embedding these principles into our schools, we empower students to carry forward King’s mission in their own lives and communities.
The question of what APS owes the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is answered by the call to action. It challenges us — as educators, leaders and community members — to rise to the occasion and create a school system that embodies his vision of equity and excellence. Celebrating his legacy once a year is not enough. His principles must be embedded in the culture and operations of our schools.
We owe King more than words of admiration. We owe him action. We owe him schools where all children, regardless of their ZIP code or socioeconomic status, have the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. We owe him a district that prioritizes not only intelligence but also character, compassion and courage.
As we reflect on King’s life and legacy, let us recommit to the work of building an Atlanta Public Schools system that honors him — not just in words, but in deeds. This is not just a responsibility; it is a moral imperative.
Erika Y. Mitchell is chair of the Atlanta Board of Education Board.
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