Photo by Richard Jenkins Stephen E. James, chief of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division, which co-sponsored the event, praised Mr. Branch for preserving the passion and moving details of the era. The division chief told the capacity crowd that he attended King's alma mater, Morehouse College, in Atlanta, and grew up in Montgomery, Ala., where he was baptized by King in the historic Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. According to Mr. Branch, the myth that racism has a simple origin has tainted the history of the movement. Education, which is often used to combat racism, can also be used to reinforce racist ideas. Dr. King said this is not so.
Education is a powerful tool, but education often increases pride.
Pride is more the enemy here, and pride is what creates this tribal warfare. The final volume in Mr. Branch's civil rights trilogy, At Canaan's Edge, is expected after 2000. Ms. Smith is an intern in the Public Affairs Office. The Library of Congress 101 Independence Ave.