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How successful was Martin Luther King jr in bringing about peace and equality?

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Introduction

Daniela Njegovan Njegovan 1 CPW 4U1-04 Mr.Cox 1 November, 2006 Roughly 300 years ago, Africans were brought to the Americas, where they were forced into slavery. Among all countries that had ever practiced slavery, the United States had treated their slaves with the most cruelty. African-Americans have struggled since, to end this racism in America. Due to Martin Luther King Jr.'s beliefs, ambitions and accomplishments, he became the most influential person of the 1960's. He sturdily pursued an ongoing battle for civil rights as his ambition was to bond the gap among races. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, at a time in American history when segregation and racial discrimination were a part of everyday life for blacks (Deats, 2000, p.17). Much of King Jr.'s childhood revolved around the church due to both of his parents' involvement in the church. This influenced him to become a preacher and a social activist, specifically focusing on the southern black culture. His main influences were music and religion, which he acquired both from church and his community (Baldwin, 1991, p.17). ...read more.

Middle

He insisted; that when combined, these problems result in America's downfall. He once said at a convention, "We must go from this convention and say, 'America, you must be born again...your whole structure must be changed." (Harding, 1996, p.63) King foresaw a country in which one's political and social rights wouldn't be determined based on race and a class. During one of his last sermons he said; I want you to first be in love. I want you to be first in moral excellence. I want you to be first in generosity. If you want to be important, Njegovan 3 wonderful. If you want to be great, wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. (The Speeches Collection) Martin Luther King, Jr. was a unique political figure, as he approached racial issues with the use of non-violent techniques. His poignant speeches were read with purpose and style. As a moving speaker and an inspiring leader, he altered the views and attitudes of a nation and guided his people during the civil rights movement. ...read more.

Conclusion

Martin Luther king, Jr., is recognized around the world as a symbol of freedom and peace. King not only contributed to peace, but he also upheld justice throughout American communities. While visiting Memphis, Tennessee in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by James Earl Ray. 100 000 mourners attended his funeral in 1968. The Lorraine Hotel in Memphis where he was shot is currently the National Civil Rights Museum. One can only value their freedom when they realize the price that was paid for it. This price, by no means was money, but instead, thousands of lives lost for freedom, among these was a king to African- Americans, Dr. Martin Luther King. Peace and equality is now established among all races in America, and it is now our duty to maintain this respect for each other and pass it on to the future generations. As a legendary father, supporter, leader and successor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's inspiration, love and might continues to thrive through his well-known speeches and finally, through the American culture. A Dream Come True Daniela Njegovan CPW 4U1 Mr. ...read more.

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