King: A Life with Author Jonathan Eig

On March 6, 2025, the Boxser Diversity Initiative (BDI) hosted Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jonathan Eig for a compelling presentation on his acclaimed biography King: A Life, which offers an intimate and nuanced portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event took place as part of the Building Bridges Discussion Series, drawing a thoughtful audience eager to engage with one of the most significant biographies of the civil rights leader.

Jonathan Eig, a journalist and author who spent six years writing the 688-page biography in his Chicago laundry room during the pandemic, brought to life King not only as an iconic figure but as a deeply human individual. His book received widespread acclaim: The New York Times praised it as “the new definitive biography of King” and “heartstring-pulling and compulsively readable,” while The Washington Post named it one of the 10 best books of 2023. Former President Barack Obama included it among his favorite books of the year. Eig was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 2024 for this work.

What distinguishes Eig’s approach is his commitment to portraying King as a whole person—highlighting both his heroic achievements and his personal struggles, including lifelong battles with depression and extramarital affairs. Eig emphasized in interviews that his goal was to “make Martin Luther King seem like a person,” resisting the urge to create a sanitized icon. This approach sheds light on King’s courage and humanity, painting a fuller picture of the man behind the legend.

During the event, Eig discussed how King wrestled with his own human frailties, was relentlessly pursued by government agencies, and yet remained steadfast in his fight for justice—even when it meant risking his life. Eig also revealed lesser-known insights from his research, such as the depth of opposition King faced from political figures like Lyndon B. Johnson and the FBI’s intense surveillance efforts.

The presentation included a Q&A session with Circuit Court Judge Charles Williams and the audience, providing further opportunity to delve into the complexities of King’s life and legacy. Eig also shared reflections on the responsibilities of journalists and writers in telling stories that foster truth, empathy, and social understanding—especially in today’s divided cultural landscape.

The event was free and open to the public with limited seating and required reservations. Funding was provided by the Zella I. and Junius F. Allen Fund and the Frederick Gallo Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.