How Did Martin Luther King Influence

MLK: The Influential Voice Approximately one hundred years after the Emancipation Proclamation, southern states continued to oppress African Americans. In 1954, the United States Supreme Court struck down the “separate but equal” doctrine which allowed racial segregation. This decision received attention world-wide. For ten years, various civil rights activists decided to protest the “separate but equal” doctrine hoping to make a change. Rosa Parks, Malcom X, Andrew Goodman, and others decided to fight the system of segregation for freedom and equality. Although there were many civil rights activists who risked their lives for the cause, there was one particular leader who captured the hearts of many through his peaceful demeanor and eloquent
He learned that peaceful protests resulted in India winning freedom without firing a gun and that “hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” King became an advocate for peaceful protests because he saw how it worked for Gandhi. Martin Luther King evoked empathy from many people because as he advocated non-violence and passive civil disobedience to push for political change, he suffered much violent resistance. Regardless, Martin Luther King was dedicated to winning the fight for equal rights without the use of violence. He was more interested in changing the system that oppressed the minorities rather than the individuals who were caught up in what the system believed. Martin Luther King’s intention was not to humiliate the White community, but enlighten them on how the system created the injustice of segregation. Therefore, in order to make his points appear valid and evoke sympathy, peace and love became the heart of his civil rights
His speeches focused on African Americans being treated as human beings, not just simply being recognized as black people. He used the bible in many of his speeches to argue against segregation. By using repetition and rhymes, people would remember King’s speeches with a sense of inclusion which created the feeling that they were all in it together. HE used emotional language in his “I Have a Dream” and “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speeches which evoked sympathy from not only African Americans, but other races. He appealed to many people of different races, nationalities, and genders with one common, powerful idea; we are all created