First African Baptist Church

The state of Georgia is known for its boundary-breaking milestones ranging from social change to the arts. It is also home to a countless number of prominent figures in history. One of the most notable figures, however, is the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His valiant efforts during the Civil Rights Movement pushed for many of the liberties we now have today, and immortalized him forever. While many know of King’s journey beginning in the heart of Atlanta, the moment that showcased his powerful speech ability was actually in Dublin, Georgia...at the tender age of fifteen years old.  

In April of 1944, the Colored Elks Club held their state convention in Dublin at First African Baptist Church. King had previously won the local oratorical contest in the club’s Atlanta chapter, so he received an invitation to compete at the convention. First African Baptist Church was established in 1867, not only the oldest African American church in Dublin, but it would now be the place where Dr. King’s first public speech was held.  

The contest’s theme was The Negro and the Constitution, and King’s speech emphasized the metaphorical “chains” that still hinder African Americans. King was fittingly the winner of the contest, his words proving to be an eye-opening moment for adolescents his age as well as adults. King’s first speech was a precursor to the ones he would deliver later in his life as an activist. More specifically, his I Have A Dream speech in Washington, D.C conveyed the same message. Despite the hardships that minorities still face, King has remained hopeful throughout his pursuit for equality. His words have inspired millions across the world, including activists that have followed in his footsteps.  

"The Negro and the Constitution". The Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute. (2021, May 21). Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/negro-and-constitution. 

Scott B. Thompson, S. (2020, January 20). Pieces Of Our Past: Dawn of A Dream. THE DAWN OF A DREAM - The first public speech of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dublin, Georgia. April 17, 1944. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from http://dublinlaurenscountygeorgia.blogspot.com/2020/01/pieces-of-our-past-and-dream-continues.html. 

First African Baptist Church. Visit Dublin Georgia. (2020, September 8). Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://www.visitdublinga.org/play-indoors/first-african-baptist-church/. 

King’s first public speech was in Dublin, Ga. | Macon ... (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://www.macon.com/news/local/article224559455.html. 

Downtown Dublin- Where The Dream Began. Moore Station Village. (2019, January 31). Retrieved November 21, 2021, from https://moorestationvillage.com/downtown-dublin-where-the-dream-began/. 

File:First African Baptist Church in Dublin, Georgia ... (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2021, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:First_African_Baptist_Church_in_Dublin,_Georgia_-_Martin_Luther_King%27s_first_public_speach.jpg.