...Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, ‘“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter’” (Luther and Melvin). Martin Luther King Jr., the man with a dream, fought through discrimination to enable United States citizens to live more peacefully. Due to his work during the Civil Rights Movement and his tragic death, Martin Luther King, Jr. left a legacy of equality in America. As a child Martin Luther King, Jr. experienced racial discrimination first hand. Due to his skin color, King’s “friends” refused to play with him at a young age (Dubovoy). King stood emotionally wounded for the rest of his life, when his own best friends betrayed him. King did not want his children or anyone to feel discriminated against due to their...
Words: 678 - Pages: 3
...Martin Luther King, Jr.: An Epic Hero On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech to 250,000 people. He expressed his true feelings about the opression of his race in front of several faces that may not have shared the same opinion. This act of immense courage remarkably shed light on and motivated other civil rights activists. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a leader and humitarian who exhibits traits of an epic hero, shown through his courageous, selfless actions. Like many epic heroes of fictional stories, King is a figure of strength and courage who is admired by countless people across the United States. Martin Luther King, Jr. embodies the characteristics of an epic hero because he was capable of tremendous deeds of strength and courage, traveled over a vast setting, and showed national heroism....
Words: 669 - Pages: 3
...Human Equality Kaleigh A. Butler ENGL-113-ND Willmore Kanyongo, PhD March 1, 2014 The analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech, alongside with Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg address”, reveals that both men had the same idea of human equality. What is the definition of human equality? This is a definition that was brought to the country’s attention by two great men of history. Nearly one hundred years separated two men that both had the same ideals of what human equality means in a free nation. They both came to the same ideal that was set by our founding fathers. All men were created equal and had the rights to liberty and justice, including the prosperity of the American Dream that so many fought for with demonstrations and the wars of our fathers. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln walked on the battlefield of Gettysburg and delivered the Gettysburg address. Compelled by the constitution and the Declaration of Independence, the ideals of the American nation were to be upheld to the highest regard for basic human life. The wars that were fought previously and the war that the President was going through in order to uphold the promises that the founding fathers promised all those living in the new nation. The civil war separated a single nation fighting one another based on the ideals that one man can own another man. This war lasted for 4 years in order to retain what both sides thought to be right. President Lincoln of the Union stated that we were...
Words: 1732 - Pages: 7
...John Sauls ENGL 1010-022 11 October 2013 A Letter From a Birmingham Jail Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15 in the year 1929. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Martin Luther King Jr. had a tremendous impact on the desegregation of the United States, primarily the South, in the ‘60's. Many people believe that he in fact had one of if not the greatest and most influential impact of any civil rights leader in history. King Jr. began his civil rights activities in 1955 when he protested in Montgomery, Alabama against their horribly segregated public bus system. The protest was started after an African American lady on a bus by the name of Rosa Parks was arrested after she decided not to give up her seat to a white male passenger longing for a place to sit. After the arrest, African Americans gathered and encouraged others to boycott the Montgomery bus system. An underground society called the Montgomery Improvement Association was formed and with no surprise Martin Luther King Jr. was elected the president. The group’s methods were efficient and most importantly non violent. The group’s protests had success and soon after, the bus lines abandoned their segregated rules and African Americans no longer had to boycott the bus system. King dedicated his life to being a civil rights activist. Today he is most famously remembered for his non-violent protests in working toward racial equality. King was such an important figure and served as inspiration in so many people’s lives...
Words: 1489 - Pages: 6
...hate, Negroes deserve the same treatment as Whites. ** I agree with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s thesis statement and his supporting ideas. Summary: In his speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers a powerful message on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. I have a dream is a speech in which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. cultivates the powerful force of peace in people to act out in love towards racism. He is trying to reach the good in people and believes that love will be more effective than hate. TS: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. effectively conveys his message of equality and non-violence by making an emotional appeal to Americans. EM: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s speech brought change to America, Americans were unified, and caused people to view others differently. I. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s speech brought change to America. A. People were moved by his emotions. B. It inspired equality in Americans. C. America yielded to peace. II. Americans were unified. B. Racism was reduced. C. Peace prevailed over violence. III. Caused people to view others differently. A. People changed their perspective. B. Race became less significant C. Humanity was changed by love. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Speech I have a dream I have a dream speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is recognized as one of the greatest speeches ever presented. Over 50 years ago, in August of 1963, Dr. King captivated America with his significant I have a dream speech powerfully...
Words: 938 - Pages: 4
...within our own country, the United States and around the world. This paper will discuss one of our well known world leaders and a well-known American Leader and the significant impact these individuals had on society and political changes. b. Thesis statement: History shows how leaders impact the outcomes and development of cultures and society due to social and political changes and influences. c. Preview of Main Points: i. World leader Gandhi led to Satyagraha and the equal rights for all. ii. Martin Luther King Jr. contributed to the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. II. Gandhi’s contribution to social changes. a. One of the worlds most pronounced leaders of the twentieth century. b. Concept of Satyagraha, truth and firmness (Mohandas Gandhi). c. Indian Independence from Britain in 1947. III. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contribution to the social changes made in the United States. a. King traveled the Country and the world to lecture other leaders, activists, and protestors on the importance, how to, and benefits on non-violent protesting. b. Civil Rights Act prohibiting racial discrimination (History.com) c. Voting Rights Act guaranteeing the right to vote to all African Americans (History.com). IV. Conclusion a. Restatement of thesis: History shows how leaders impact the outcomes and development of cultures and society due to social and political changes and influences. b. Summary of main points: i. Gandhi led to the concept of Satyagraha...
Words: 1276 - Pages: 6
...Americans have pride in them self saying that we are the land of freedom but if you look back in history not everybody could say they had freedom. In 1960 were a time of battles for racial justice and the war for equality. Dr. Martin Luther King JR led his troops through one of the most brilliant demonstrations of nonviolent protests this country. The protest was to send a message to the nation that equality must prevail, all men were created equal. Back in the 1960 black college students began sitting at lunch counters and other public places where they weren’t allowed or where segregation was present. 1963 Martin Luther king Jr he began to lead many campaigns against discrimination using large gatherings to protest it. The campaigns where stop by police and their dogs. Has well in 1963 he organized a march in Washington DC called the March on Washington. They did this march so that Kennedy who had created a bill could get congress to pass the bill that he created. Many people like whites and black gathered on the base of Lincoln memorial. Where Martin Luther King Jr gave his famous speech called I have a dream. “I have a dream,” he declared, “that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’ … I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” (Staff, 2011)The...
Words: 848 - Pages: 4
...Firstly, Martin Luther King Jr. was an extremely large contributor in gaining civil right of African Americans during the civil rights movements, whose passion for non-violent protesting set an affecting tone in the civil rights movements. Martin Luther King had a large contribution to the reduced amount of injustice and discrimination against African Americans which is present today. As a highly influential social activist in the movements, King created mass publicity highlighting the atrocities which African American citizens were subjected to, which can be demonstrated through the statement “In the eleven-year period between 1957 and 1968, King travelled over 6 million miles and has spoken more than 2500 speeches on many stages” (What did...
Words: 415 - Pages: 2
...Martin Luther King, Jr., in his famous Letter from the Birmingham Jail, responds forcefully yet politely to a public statement made by eight Alabama clergymen in 1963. He defends his position as an African American and strongly advocates racial equality, citing countless sources and employing several literary devices. Most significantly, King uses frequent allusions and vivid metaphors, to relate to his audience and convey his passion for equality. Martin Luther King Jr. uses allusions to biblical figures and events that appeal to both ethos and pathos throughout the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” The ethos and pathos of biblical figures and events have a strong impact and effectiveness to the readers. Since King is a Christian he uses biblical...
Words: 439 - Pages: 2
...World leaders and United States leaders share the ambitions to achieve these descriptions. Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr. are two names nearly every American citizen knows and most likely respects today. To begin, Martin Luther served as a prominent world leader. Many years ago, in medieval Germany, Martin Luther changed the church forever. He lived as a man full of deep faith for God and was a strict Christian all of his life. Today he is known by numerous people as the most influential German monk who ever lived. Luther had a doctorate in Theology and craved for a reform. He had the biggest issue with parishioners buying indulgences, believing that this purchase would ensure their salvation. He fought for justice and equality, as many great leaders have. At one point he nearly brought down the entire Roman Catholic Church. After writing his famous 95 Theses, the Church was devastated. Even though Luther was hesitant to fight back about the indulgences, he found answers when he turned to the Bible and realized that it is not the Church that will guarantee salvation, it is your own personal faith. In his theses he criticized the Pope’s purpose in raising money and expressed a straightforward concern for the people of Rome. Due to the revolutionary machinery of printing, Luther’s 95 Theses spread throughout all of Europe within three months (“About Martin Luther”.) In 1521, Luther was forced to face Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms. Here, he was expected to retract...
Words: 748 - Pages: 3
...Dr. Martin Luther king junior was a Baptist minister and social activist, who led the Civil Rights movement from the mid fifty's until his death by assassination. I will be talking about his family and how many children he has, his early life influences, education and job, interests, hobbies, and why I chose him. Dr. martin Luther king junior was born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta Georgia at his big family home. Martin Luther King Jr. was the middle child of Michael King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. Martins father, grandfather, and martin were all ministers. But martin made the biggest impact of them all. Martin wanted to be able to do the same thing with as white people white people. Martin Luther king junior was married to Coretta king...
Words: 327 - Pages: 2
...Greatest Leader Introduction There have been many great leaders in our time that had a great impact on America, but today there is one person I would like to acknowledge, and that is Martin Luther King Jr. MLKJ have done so much in his lifetime to shape up this country. Just take a minute to think, what if MLKJ would’ve gave up. Ask yourself how would the world be today? That’s why MLKJ is the perfect example of a leader because he never threw in the towel and gave up. He fought to the end. Body Martin Luther king Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. Many of us should be familiar with this well-known day, January 15, known as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. King was born in Atlanta, Ga to the parents of Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta King. As King grew older he Married Coretta Scott King and had four children. King was a well-known leader in the Civil Rights Movement. King was also known in various parts of the country for really pushing the Civil Rights. Aside from being a Civil Rights leader, King was a American Clergy leader, activist, as well as a minister. King was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize at age thirty-five. When King was notified he was selected he donated all the prize money of $54,123 to the civil rights movement. For many of us when we hear Martin Luther King Jr.’s name the first thing that comes to mind is his “I Have A Dream” speech. King delivered this speech in front of thousands of Americans on August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial...
Words: 357 - Pages: 2
...Malcolm X Versus Martin Luther King Junior’s Methods for Fighting Against Injustice As we all may notice in history, there are no two great men that are alike. With contrasting personalities, both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. play an important role in American history. They were prominent African American figures who stood up for what they believed in, however, they went about acting on their vision in separate ways. Their many beliefs may have stemmed from their childhood and influenced or represented their call-to-action. King grew up in a middle class family and was well educated, whereas, Malcolm X experienced hostile situations as a child and was underprivileged with limited schooling. Malcolm X’s despair about life was reflected in his angry, pessimistic belief that equality is impossible because whites have no moral conscience, whereas King felt that blacks and whites should be united and live together in peace. Although these leaders had the same end results in mind, their means, philosophies, and principles differed. Their intentions were delivered in different styles and purposes – their willingness to employ or not employ violence to achieve their goals. Even though they differed greatly on the philosophies they used to obtain their goal, they shared a common struggle. Their same goal in mind was to achieve equality between all races. As both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. sought to fight against injustice, compared to King, Malcolm X fails to appropriately...
Words: 1072 - Pages: 5
...remember when Dr. Martin Luther King jr. is brought to mind? His famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech? His impact on American history? The civil rights movement that lead to the equality of white and colored people? Those are only a few of many things Dr. Martin Luther King jr. has done within the short time span of his lifetime. A few more things he had a set attitude on are the working conditions for the sanitation workers, how the direction of the civil rights movement has changed because of the events he made possible and most importantly, the achievement of equality for everyone. To begin with, In Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘I’ve Been to The Mountaintop’ speech states that the city of Memphis was mistreating and neglecting the sanitation workers that worked for them. The riot that was lead by 1,300 sanitation workers was neglected and the only thing that was shown in the spotlight of the press is the breaking of windows. In Martin Luther King’s speech ‘I've Been to The Mountaintop’ he states “They [the reporters] don't get around to that.” He stated this shortly after explaining how the riot only was publicized by the violent manner of breaking windows. The press never did explain how the...
Words: 604 - Pages: 3
...influence the African American community. Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X two men having experienced different things in their lives held different beliefs and morals and influenced people based upon those things. Martin Luther King Jr., came from a Baptist home with a fairly easy childhood, he was educated when he was younger and attended Morehouse College, an all black college, where he had several role models that shaped his beliefs. Malcolm X, on the other hand, experienced a hard childhood and used drugs and committed other crimes in his early adult years. While in prison he found a father figure in Elijah Muhammad and joined the Nation of Islam. There are many differences between Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X in the way they acted and influenced the African American community. This paper will look to describe their differing views and analyze their actions and their lives. In most cases a person’s childhood has a lasting affect on the rest of a person’s life. In comparing Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X this seems to be the case. Martin Luther King Jr., was born January 19, 1929 and was raised by a strong supportive family. He had a somewhat privileged life and “never experienced the feeling of not having the basic necessities of life.”[1] His father “was a community leader in Atlanta and pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church” and his mother “was a school teacher and an accomplished pianist.”[2] Although King was well off economically he was also...
Words: 3427 - Pages: 14
