Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who gave us “I Have a Dream,” once got a “C” in public speaking.
That grade was handed down while King was a student at the Crozer Theological Seminary, located in Upland on the site of the future Crozer Chester Hospital, writes Jared Weaver and Dennis Owens for WKBN.
The Baptist preacher turned civil rights icon was only 19 when he entered the Seminary in 1948.
“The professor, Robert Clayton, was a tough grader,” said Patrick Parr, who wrote a book covering King’s three years at Crozer, including his first public speaking class.
“He was still learning,” Parr said. “So, he still didn’t know his voice at that time. He was still working it out.
Janet Murphy’s father heard Dr. King speak in Chester while he was still studying at the Seminary. Murphy is fascinated by King’s role in Delaware County’s history.
“He was the first African-American or Black student body president,” Murphy said.
His message not to despair continues to resonate.
“Dr. King had hope, after all, which was rooted in his faith. But we have to keep fighting. We have to just not give in to despair,” she said.
Read more about Martin Luther King Jr.’s time in Delaware County at WKBN.
