Kingian Nonviolence

Kingian Nonviolence is both a philosophy and a practice for creating change without dehumanizing anyone. Rather than trying to “win” by defeating an opponent, it aims to build understanding and respect. It recognizes that systems of injustice hurt everyone, including those who seem to benefit.

Instead of asking “How do we overpower the other side?” Kingian Nonviolence asks:

How do we expose injustice without becoming unjust ourselves?
How do we confront harm without dehumanizing anyone?
How do we build a future grounded in love, not resentment?

This approach has guided some of the most powerful movements for justice in history, from the Civil Rights Movement to labor struggles, peace movements, and campaigns for human dignity around the world.

The 6 Principles of Kingian Nonviolence

The 6 Principles of Kingian Nonviolence ground us in a refreshing worldview rooted in courage, love, and human dignity. These principles can guide how we confront injustice while staying true to the world we’re working to create.

1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.

Nonviolence is not passive or weak. It requires deep bravery and discipline, especially in the face of injustice.

Nonviolence is about action. Showing up for justice takes real courage. It’s not about avoiding violence because we’re scared or unable, it’s about knowing violence is an option and choosing something we believe is stronger, more effective, and truer to who we are.

2. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.

Nonviolence believes that Dr. King's vision of Beloved Community, is the framework for the future. The aim is not to destroy opponents, but to transform relationships and systems so that everyone can thrive.

At the end of the day, it's about learning how to cultivate love for those that are more difficult to love. Building Beloved Community is not about trying to win over people, but to win people over.

3. Nonviolence works to defeat injustice, not people.

People are never the enemy. Injustice, violence, and views that stand against life, love, and community are the enemy. When we take the time to understand people's stories, we can better understand how they arrived at the choices they've made. Even the choices that cause harm.

Nonviolence recognizes that both "oppressor" and "oppressed" are both victims of injustice. It's not "us vs. them" but "all of us vs. injustice".

4. Nonviolence holds that voluntary suffering can educate and transform.

Suffering is never the goal, transformation is. However, when people willingly accept hardship for a just cause, it can shine a light on the injustice itself and move the hearts of the broader community.

This refers to intentional, self-chosen suffering in pursuit of change. Choosing nonviolence in the face of harm can weaken violence’s hold and open the door to transformation.

It's important to note that passively accepting abuse or oppression is not in the spirit of this principle.

5. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.

Nonviolence isn’t just about what we do, it’s about what we carry inside us. This principle reminds us that violence can take root in our thoughts long before it shows up in our actions. Choosing love instead of hate means practicing compassion toward others and ourselves, even when it’s difficult.

This principle asks us to pay attention to our inner lives: to release resentment, avoid dehumanizing thoughts, and care for our own well-being. Our inner state shapes our outer actions. When we cultivate love on the inside, we’re better equipped to act with courage, clarity, and care on the outside.

6. Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice.

This principle speaks to hope and to the belief that love, truth, and justice are ultimately stronger than violence and oppression.

Justice can be imagined as a balance. Whatever society invests in, that's what it will produce. Similar to expected an apple tree after planting an apple seed. This is the justice of the universe.

If society continues to invest in war, hate, and disconnection, we cannot be surprised that the result is more violence.

This principle explains that the justice of the universe will bring about peace if we decide to invest in it.

The 6 Steps of Kingian Nonviolence

Kingian Nonviolence isn’t just about a worldview, but also about how we go about bringing justice in the world. These six steps offer a practical, love-centered roadmap for creating social change without losing our humanity along the way.

These steps are not intended to always flow chronologically. They often can occur simultaneously.

1. Information Gathering

Before we act, we listen and learn. Nonviolence asks us to deeply understand the issue at hand, including the systems, histories, and perspectives involved.

That means doing our homework, seeking truth from multiple sides, and truly understanding where others are coming from, even when we disagree. The more we understand, the more grounded and effective our actions become.

2. Education

Once we understand the issue, we share that understanding with others, including those who may oppose us. Education helps reduce misinformation, build empathy, and invite people into the conversation.

Change becomes possible when people understand why an issue matters and how it affects real lives.

3. Personal Commitment

Nonviolence begins with us. This step invites us to regularly check in with ourselves. Always recognizing our intentions, our values, and our willingness to stay rooted in nonviolence, even when things get hard.

This step is about letting go of hidden motives, staying aligned with love, and preparing ourselves to face discomfort or sacrifice in the pursuit of justice.

4. Negotiation

Negotiation is where we bring concerns to the decision makers with clarity and care. Using honesty, creativity, and respect, we name the injustice and offer concrete ways forward.

Nonviolence doesn’t aim to embarrass or defeat, it seeks to call forth the good in others and find solutions that move everyone closer to dignity and fairness.

5. Dramatic Direct Action

When dialogue stalls or is refused, nonviolence turns to action. Direct action creates what Dr. King called creative tension, a disruption that makes injustice impossible to ignore. These actions apply moral pressure, not to punish, but to invite engagement and movement toward change.

6. Reconciliation

Reconciliation is both the goal and the ongoing work. Kingian Nonviolence is never about defeating people, it’s about transforming systems and relationships. The focus stays on unjust policies and structures, not individuals or "sides".

Through accountability, understanding, and meaningful compromise, we take steps toward healing and toward the Beloved Community.

Learn more

Books & Writings

Stride Toward Freedom - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Letter from Birmingham Jail - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm - Kazu Haga

Videos

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