It often quite surprises white gay moderates that Act Up leaders studied Dr. King’s writings extensively in formulating strategies of direct action as protest.

Even by the late 80s, his myth was growing among moderates who overlooked much of what he actually said and wrote.

In Act Up, however, we studied and we emulated. We remembered the “power” portion of Dr. King’s legacy, reflected in our own acronym. Act Up means, after all, “AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power.”

Moderates told us to sit and be quiet all the time. But the moderates didn’t accomplish what we did.

Thank you for reminding us all of Dr. King’s full profile and positions.