“ Beyond being one of the greatest gospel singers of all times, Mahalia Jackson shaped history during the civil rights movement. King’s famous “I have a dream” speech was, in fact, an “I have a nightmare” speech until Jackson, King’s friend, yelled from the back of the dais: “Tell them about your dream, Martin!” It was a shout that changed the world. King stammered, and the “queen of gospel” yelled the same thing again, and King began what is today known as the “I have a dream” speech.
February 11, 2008