During the early 1900's, racism and discrimination were a daily struggle for African Americans all over America. Yes, slavery had ended and the African Americans were "free", but Martin Luther King Jr. was not ignorant to inequality. Blacks and whites had different schools, restaurants, water fountains, and restrooms. The way the world was back in the early 1900's caused Dr. Martin Luther King's desire to contribute in making a better future for himself, and all generations of African Americans to come. On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Washington, D.C., Lincoln Memorial Dr. King gave his famous speech I Have a Dream (Wachter, 2009). About 250,000 people gathered there to listen to his speech, and millions of people heard it over the …show more content…
King was an extremely intelligent man, and intellect is needed to speak on inequality. If Dr. King would have not had the intellect to encourage peace; a riot could have easily been started by his speech. Dr. King states, " The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom". By Dr. King being intelligent enough to encourage unity, he avoided conflict. Many African Americans would have been angry, and not thought about the subject of unity. However Dr. King was different, he looked at all aspects of the situation before speaking on it. Dr. King won the audience over by using logic. Not only did he want equality he wanted unity, and those two things go hand in hand. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. undoubtedly gave a brilliant speech that ultimately changed America. Although Dr. King was assassinated before he could see the change he helped to make, his dream did not die with him. It was not an easy journey, but America today is just what Dr.King hoped for. Americans of all races attend the same schools and eat at the same restaurants. There is equal opportunity for all Americans, and our country is united. The fight for equality is over, and Americans have people like Martin Luther King Jr. to
In the most paramount time of racism in America, there a voice that enacted a call for change. Martin Luther King was a Baptist minister and social activist who spent countless years, fighting for a civil rights. It was on the date of August 28th, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln memorial is where King made his leap of faith and spoke out on the injustice of African Americans. His dream for African Americans to be equal, appealed to the emotions of his audience. The desire to live a civil life and not be oppressed was felt by many. Martin Luther King delivered a speech that would immensely make an impact on the country.
The Civil Rights Movement was a zealous and essential period in American History. The civil rights movement began in 1954 and was led by African Americans to outlaw racial discrimination against Blacks. One century after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, African Americans still observing segregation and various forms of oppression and “Jim Crow” laws. The nonviolent and civil disobedience protests were used by the civil rights activists to bring about change. Some significant leaders within the Black community were Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and W.E.B. Du Bois.
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King jr delivered one of the most influential speeches in American history. America was in the thick of the Civil Rights Movement, and Martin Luther King jr desperately wanted to mend the deep tear in our country. King stood on the Lincoln memorial, and impacted the nation with his words. King spoke about the injustices of segregation and discrimination of African Americans that was taking place in the United States at that time. In his first statement King wrote, “I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.” King was determined to unite as one, and cure our country of racial injustice through this speech, and relentlessness. King was able to inspire the nation with his words. In his speech, King masterfully includes uses of an ethical standpoint, an emotional connection, and a logical approach to prove that racism was not the intended basis of the United States.
“Tell Them about the Dream, Martin!” by Drew Hansen explains the improvisation of Martin Luther King Jr. made in after the March on Washington leading to the his “I Have a Dream” speech that captivated the world. The article informs the reader about the idea of a person using a powerful phrase to highlight his optimism of racial discrimination ending, and wanting equality for all.
Martin Luther King was one of the greatest civil right activists in American history. Martin Luther King impacted American society in many ways and one of the most important things he did for America was weakening racism in America. At the time when he was living, colored people living America were treated differently with white people. For example colored people needed a pass to go through certain places, they could not go to the same school as white people and it was much harder for colored people to get a job compare to white people. Martin Luther king thought these were wrong. He also thought these were against American dream. For him American dream meant every people having equal rights, opportunity and freedom. What was happening in
In many eyes Dr.King was seen as the United States' bravest man. Not only did he change the worlds view on segregation and racism with his non-violence protest, but also by his words of wisdom. Dr.King did not see ones size, gender, or skin color, he only saw that every man was created equally. He was a voice and hope for his people that their future and their family’s future will no longer be placed
In 1868 and 1870, the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments were created, respectively. Both highlighted a momentous moment in the advancement of racial equality. Equality was established for the newly emancipated slaves. Over the last 150 years, America has been slowly advancing toward racial equality. With the election of Barack Obama in 2008, another historic change had come about. The first black male was elected president. Despite these advancements in racial equality, many Americans still remain staunch racists and maintain the mindset of superiority to blacks. Injustice is still apparent since blacks are targeted on a daily basis. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” revealed these everyday social discriminations, as he projected his dream of a society that truly exemplified the Founding Fathers’ beliefs that all men are created equal and have the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Without a doubt, racial equality has improved, but many Americans still believe race is a prominent issue in the United States because of the everyday injustices towards blacks, the criminal justice system, and their economic and educational disparities.
Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was written and delivered on August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and remains one of the most historically influential and world-changing speeches of all time. Fifty-two years later, this speech is considered to be one of the best persuasive speeches ever delivered. Dr. King is not only attempting to persuade his audience to understand the plight of minorities in the United States, but he is also attempting to encourage a nation to change for the betterment of mankind. Through the effective use of several literary elements, Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech prompted Caucasian Americans to look closer at the country 's dismal record of civil rights for black Americans and other minorities.
Throughout history, African Americans faced daily inequalities through all aspects including, income inequality, educational segregation and civil right challenges. The daily struggles only continued to get worse, as whites realized they were in charge, and that African Americans were not fighting back. In order, to set things right, they decided to do otherwise; it was through the works of Martin Luther King Jr., that made history and shaped parts of the African American community. Not giving in to the oppression and constant threats change soon took place. King influenced many to take that step and fight for their rights, for at the end of the day they were all human. Made up of the same components and by the same God. King shared his dreams and goals for the African American community through the works of non-violence, till this day his tactics of peaceful marches, petitions and walks; have all left their “everlasting effect” that till this day is still in effect.
King was a man who accomplished what people thought was impossible and moved mountains. I guess he effected me and everyone else more than we knew, and he inspired us by talking from the heart, finally he brought us together for a common good. We call it the dream everywhere else they call it the American dream, and Dr. King referred to it as his dream. “His life and work symbolize the quest for equality and nondiscrimination that lies at the heart of the American—and human—dream.”(Shuttleworth 8) He got Blacks their equal rights during the Civil Rights movement that he started in 1955. His wife and kids would be smiling cheek to cheek with pride in their eyes and you’d know why just by a glance. In the end Blacks got the change they desired as much as needed to get to where the world is today. Overall, he lived a long, successful, diligent, smart, fulfilling, life and I don’t know many people who can say that. Do you know someone who can? Can
His speech was very influential, and, is remembered in American History.There are many African-Americans who really changed the world. Rosa Parks, Jo Ann Robinson, and Martin Luther King Jr. They had the Montgomery Bus Boycott. For 382 days, the African-Americans walked to their destination. They even made their own routes. This showed that segregation or that being set apart can do something. Martin Luther King lead another point to American history. One thing Martin Luther King Jr. pointed out is: being set apart is racist. What color you are should not affect the person or their personality. You should not judge someone by their skin color. Martin Luther King Jr. showed that there is no racial justice. Everyone is treated equally. King’s words helped millions of lives, through the hard situations in a rough time in American History. Though, King did not only want equal rights for just African-Americans, just everyone needs to be treated equal. Equality for
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He had an older, sister Willie Christine King and a brother, Alfred Daniel Williams King. His original name was Michael Luther king Jr. until they went to Germany. His father changed both their names to Martin.
Martin Luther King had a dream of society in which race was not an issue in how individuals were dealt with or how they were permitted to carry on with their life. African-Americans could not be dealt with independently from whites. His vision of society comes from A Great American, in whose symbolic shadow they stand on that day, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. That was a guarantee that all men, dark men and additionally white men, would be ensured the unalienable Rights of life, freedom and the quest for bliss. That earth shattering declaration came as an incredible guide light of would like to a huge number of Negro slaves who had been burned in the flares of shriveling shamefulness. It came as an upbeat sunrise to end the taxing night
In August 1963, more than 50 years ago, Martin Luther King gave a speech that will be enshrined in the history forever. Not only that he demanded racial justice, but he gave Americans as a nation a way to express how they feel. More importantly, his speech gave hope to the black community, the hope that they could, one day, have the same rights as the white community had.
August 28th, 1963, 250,000 marchers stood in front of the Washington Monument to hear a message. A message from the leader of the civil rights leader whom many of the marchers have come to respect and follow. Marchers from all different backgrounds all supporting the civil rights and jobs for the African American community. Martin Luther King Jr. took the podium in front of these marchers and spoke a message that would inspire not just those present, but all of America to have a dream just like his. A dream in a country that has been stacking the cards against them for a couple hundred years. King took the podium and spoke of his dream, “… a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”” (King npg.). King’s speech resonated with thousands of African Americans and inspired them to dream his dream and start a movement that would lead them their civil rights.