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Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement Essay

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African American people have come a long way from the illiterate slaves, who were once picking cotton in fields, to powerful political leaders. A prime example would be President Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States of America. But first we must ask ourselves, how did this occur? Who lead African Americans to better living standards? Civil rights leaders, such as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks, just to name a few. However, among these great names in history, there is one that stands out, and that man is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King gave hope to those in need with his awe inspiring sermons he performed at the church his grandfather founded. He changed foes to …show more content…

After Crozer in 1953 he attended Boston University to complete his residency for his doctoral degree, which he received in 1955. During that time he met Coretta Scott, who would later become his wife in June, 1953. From this union they would create four children: Yolanda, Martin Luther King III, Dexter Scott, and Bernice (Bio.com). Gandhi’s impact on King Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi was a spiritual leader from India. Dr. King was inspired by Gandhi after hearing a delivery by Dr. Mordecai Johnson president of Howard University. His words about Gandhi inspired King to want to learn more about him. He purchased all the books he could find and grew more passionately about Gandhi’s beliefs. Gandhi believed in non-violence. Gandhi tested various methods of non-violence. He felt that having high standards and morals did not make one weak. Gandhi felt that good should prevail over evil. Kings’ Christian background coincided with the beliefs of Gandhi. He felt that despite their ill will toward you that you should love your enemies and the proverbial “turn the other cheek”. King stated that “As I read, I became deeply fascinated by his campaigns of nonviolent resistance. As I delved deeper into the philosophy of Gandhi, my skepticism concerning the power of love gradually diminished, and I came to see for the first time its potency in the area of social reform

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