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Martin Luther King Jr.: Journey Of The Civil Rights Movement

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“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word” (King, “Acceptance Speech”). Martin Luther King Jr. refused to believe that nothing could be done to achieve justice for all people. He refused to believe that changing the perception of race in America was too great a challenge to face. He refused to believe that the color of one’s skin determined his or her superiority in society. He refused to believe the power of hatred was a force too great to overcome. He refused to believe that there was no hope for a nation broken by racism. …show more content…

He kept going no matter what challenges he faced. The journey of the civil rights movement was not an easy one for King, despite the immense progress he made. He was always faced with challenges and setbacks of his own. He was arrested, his home was bombed, he constantly received death threats, but his leadership and refusal to give up gave others the motivation to persevere, no matter what the circumstances were (Kranz 86). King overcame obstacles that many could never imagine having to experience, but undeterred by this, he still had a dream. For he once said “I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream” (King, “I Have a Dream). Unfortunately on April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. met an obstacle he was unable to overcome, it was on this day that King was assassinated (“Martin Luther King Jr.,” History.com). Martin Luther King Jr.’s death devastated millions across the country. Many feared that without him, all progress made within the movement would be lost. But strangely enough, just the opposite happened. Even after his death, the leadership that King demonstrated throughout his life encouraged others to be leaders and take charge of their own future. People realized more than ever that if they wanted to see a change in the nation, they needed to take a stand in their beliefs and work to make a difference. Martin Luther King Jr.’s determination to end segregation and bring about equality for all people inspired others to pursue their dreams. His belief that peace and love could change the world inspired others to love rather than hate. His message to the nation that God created all men and women as equals inspired people across the nation to let go of their prejudiced beliefs that they had once been bound to. His life was a testimony that spoke to the hearts of millions. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life

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