Martin Luther King, Jr.
In American history, Martin Luther King Jr. was an activist, a clergyman, and a leader. Martin Luther King Jr. had a significant role to play in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. In his work as a civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr. used a nonviolent approach that he had with dealing with matters. Most importantly, Martin Luther King Jr delivered the famous motivational speech: “I had a Dream.” Today, he is a national icon in the progressive history of the United States of America.
MLK cemented his place in American history from the role that he played in the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr put in the effort to ensure equality and the championing of civil rights regardless of the differences in race (Ling 912). From his immense influence, light and publicity could be shed on principal civil rights activities. Many other figures in American history also championed civil rights. However, the approach that Martin Luther King Jr took is what sets him aside from the rest of them. By employing this approach, MLK created a platform for able leadership in the civil rights movement (Thomas 25). For the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr represented a mast of hope and an idea of grace. During his time, there were several regulations passed to speak against discrimination. For this to be made possible, Martin Luther King Jr had to oversee protests, boycotts, and marches that were all representations of nonviolent protests.
Even though Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated and lost his life prematurely, she had significant accomplishments. In his brief experience in the limelight, MLK managed to ensure there was the enhancement of equal regard to people of all races. Martin Luther King Jr was survived by many followers and his legacy built on nonviolent protesting approach and his belief in the capability of human beings to exist in peaceful accord. MLK is recalled for his input in playing advocate for respect, dignity, freedom, and equality. In his short life, MLK is remembered for his involvement in several historical events: the Memphis Sanitation Worker Strike in 1968, the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1995, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957 (Thomas 23). These are just the major amongst the many civil rights activities that Martin Luther King Jr got involved in.
Martin Luther King Jr. is also remembered in American history for his famous “I had a Dream” speech. The speech was delivered concerning a march in support of equal rights in Washington, DC. The demonstration involved well over 200,000 people who were intent on protesting against racial discrimination in workplaces and schools (Ling 913). The march wanted to accomplish the goal of the minimum wage for all workers. The gathering in Washington, DC, is regarded as the largest in the area in USA history. From the delivery of the speech, Martin Luther King Jr was established as a great orator with the ability to deliver power points while citing evidence from credible sources like the US Constitution and the Christian Bible. This speech marked a turning point for the American public. After the address, the people put pressure on the president to push the passing of civil rights laws. From this instance, it is confirmed that Martin Luther King Jr singlehandedly set the pace on the civil rights movement in America. His delivery and credibility were contributed to by his high moral correctness. This moral honesty made it possible for him to stand and face constant violence.
Works Cited
Ling, Peter. “Plagiarism, Preaching, and Prophecy: the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Persistence of Racism.” Ethnic and Racial Studies (1996): 912-916. Document.
Thomas, F. McMahon. Ethical Leadership Through Transforming Justice. New York: University Press of America, 2004. Print.