Desegregation in America: Martin Luther King
Desegregation in America: Martin Luther King Jr.
“‘Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning.’” (Washington 218) said Martin Luther King Junior as he preached to the American Nation from the Washington capital. Dr. King refers to a dream of his, entailing the idea of a colorblind society where, “all men are created equal”, as stated in the American’ creed. Desegregation in America has come a long way since this speech in 1963. During this time, African Americans were belittled and harassed by whites people because they were unable to fight back. On numerous occasions black people were taken advantage of, tortured, raped, and even killed. Due to their status in our society, justice was frequently not served because they had no means of retaliation; they had no voice. Dr. King became the voice for African Americans in their fight against racism. His implementation of religion in his sermons, partnered with nonviolent protesting, attracted a multitude of supporters and brought national awareness to the violence and oppression that blacks were being forced to endure. Dr. King’s ability to motivate his followers through speeches and his sheer determination to never quit, inspired African Americans to make sacrifices to ensure a better future for their children. Though many have expressed their disapproval of racism in America, no one has made more of an impact on desegregation than Dr. King. Even after his death, the effects of King’s contributions can still be seen. King serves as a hero to all the advocates of desegregation in America, and his ability to overcome seemingly impossible tasks is an inspiration to all.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929, Martin Luther King, Jr. was exposed to the effects of racism at an early age. He was raised in a house with his brother and sister, his mother Alberta Williams King, and his father Martin Luther King Sr., a missionary for their local Baptist church. For the King’s the church was a safe haven from the racism
“‘Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning.’” (Washington 218) said Martin Luther King Junior as he preached to the American Nation from the Washington capital. Dr. King refers to a dream of his, entailing the idea of a colorblind society where, “all men are created equal”, as stated in the American’ creed. Desegregation in America has come a long way since this speech in 1963. During this time, African Americans were belittled and harassed by whites people because they were unable to fight back. On numerous occasions black people were taken advantage of, tortured, raped, and even killed. Due to their status in our society, justice was frequently not served because they had no means of retaliation; they had no voice. Dr. King became the voice for African Americans in their fight against racism. His implementation of religion in his sermons, partnered with nonviolent protesting, attracted a multitude of supporters and brought national awareness to the violence and oppression that blacks were being forced to endure. Dr. King’s ability to motivate his followers through speeches and his sheer determination to never quit, inspired African Americans to make sacrifices to ensure a better future for their children. Though many have expressed their disapproval of racism in America, no one has made more of an impact on desegregation than Dr. King. Even after his death, the effects of King’s contributions can still be seen. King serves as a hero to all the advocates of desegregation in America, and his ability to overcome seemingly impossible tasks is an inspiration to all.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929, Martin Luther King, Jr. was exposed to the effects of racism at an early age. He was raised in a house with his brother and sister, his mother Alberta Williams King, and his father Martin Luther King Sr., a missionary for their local Baptist church. For the King’s the church was a safe haven from the racism
Bibliography: Branch, Taylor. Parting the Waters: America in the King Years, 1954-63. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1988 Dittmer, John. Local People: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Mississippi, 1994. Dyson, Michael Eric. I May Not Get There with You: The True Martin Luther King, Jr. New York: Free, 2000 Kirk, John A. Martin Luther King Jr. Pearson Longman, 2005. Print. Lokos, Lionel. House Divided: The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King. New Rochelle, NY: Arlington House, 1968 Mendelsohn, Jack. The Martyrs: Sixteen Who Gave Their Lives for Racial Justice. New York: Harper & Row, 1966 Ramdin, Ron. Martin Luther King. London: Haus, 2004. Print.