In this episode of the Dive Bar, Tim Tseng and historian David Lai discusses the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and its relevance to Asian American Christians. The conversation, recorded shortly before MLK Day 2026, explores how King’s faith-driven activism can bridge gaps within immigrant and Asian American church communities. David Lai shared insights about King’s life, work, and faith. They discussed how King’s sermons and writings can be used to connect with Asian American audiences, particularly in immigrant churches that lack memory regarding the Civil Rights Movement. To engage these communities, they suggest:
* Commemorating MLK Day: Using the holiday to specifically look at King as a person of faith and pastor rather than just a historical figure who was a civil rights leader.
* Focusing on Primary Sources: Engaging directly with King’s words rather than his contested public image. King’s published sermons, such as those in Strength to Love, show how his faith grounded his pursuit of justice.
* Understanding Service: Moving from “optional” individual volunteerism to a communal obligation for the “greater good”.
* Engaging Ethnic History: Drawing parallels between the Civil Rights Movement and the specific histories of Asian American communities.
They explored how King’s legacy has been both utilized and misused over time, and discussed the relevance of his teachings for contemporary social issues. The conversation also touched on the importance of commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and incorporating King’s teachings into Asian American Christian.
Note: You can read David’s sermon on his substack account.
Books mentioned:
* Justin Rose, The Drum Major Instinct: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Theory of Political Service (University of Georgia Press, 2019)
* Hajar Yazdiha, The Struggle for the People’s King:How Politics Transforms the Memory of the Civil Rights Movement (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2023)
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