The hymn suggestions below are either hymns which Dr King liked himself, hymns directly about him (possibly none of these found as yet) or based on the themes from his life and work.
The list is divided into two parts: free-use items that can be used with no concerns about copyright (typically because they are in the public domain), and hymns that may still be copyright depending on whether this was renewed in particular time-frames.
About Dr Martin Luther King Jnr
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was an American Baptist minister and activist. He was the most visible leader and spokesperson in the American civil rights movement from 1954 until he was assassinated in 1968.He advocated for advancing civil rights through nonviolent civil disobedience - inspired by his Christian beliefs and the approach of Indian leader Mahatma Gandi. His "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech is particularly well-known.
On April 3, 1968, King travelled to Memphis, Tennessee to support a strike black public works employees. The next day, April 4, 1968, at 6:01 p.m., he was shot in the head while standing on a second floor motel, balcony surrounded by friends and associates.
Although King was not Roman Catholic, Pope John Paul II declared him to to be a "Martyr for the Church" because his goals were so completely aligned with the themes of Catholic Social Teaching, viz the dignity of all people; the call to community participation and inclusion regardless of skin color, the obligation to advocate for people who are downtrodden with first preference for the needs of the poor and vulnerable people, and solidarity across the entire human family despite racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. From a religious perspective, his memorial is a day to remember fallen heroes and the promise of justice and peace lived by Jesus and shown through the Gospel,
Free-use hymns
Freedom Is ComingGo Down Moses
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
O Holy City Seen of John - Bowie
Rock of Ages Cleft for Me
There Is a Balm in Gilead
The Old Rugged Cross
We Shall Overcome
We’ve Come a Long Way, Lord
Hymns which may still be copyright
Bring Forth the Kingdom
For the Healing of the Nations - Kaan
How Long, O Lord - Schutte, Stuempfle
I Will Not Die - Conry
Justice Shall Flourish - Marchionda
Keep the Dream Alive - Manuel
Let Justice Roll Like a River - Haugen
Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace - Spannaus
Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service - Bayly
Make Us True Servants - Wente
On Holy Ground - Peña
Send Down the Fire - Haugen
The Church of Christ in Every Age - Green
We Shall Not Be Silent - Conry
What Does the Lord Require - Bayly/Routley
Whatsoever You Do - Jabusch
You Are the Light of the World - Tate
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