As the editor of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s papers, Carson considers what will come of King's legacy. He notes that in his time, King was a controversial figure, and that King himself would likely be surprise how lauded he is. Carson argues there would not be a holiday in his honor if not for (a) the actions of Rosa Parks, et al., and (b) that he was assassinated before he could continue to say more provocative and controversial things authorities do not like to hear. Carson says the meaning of King's life was contested while he was alive, and will continue to be contested long after his death. He says King's life is shrouded in myths of both his admirers and critics.