Who is Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African American civil nights movement. He was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using non-violent methods following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He was greatly inspired by the success of Gandhi with non-violent movement activism. He actively took part in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963 he delivered his famous “J Have a Dream” speech as he was addressing a great congregation at Lincoln Memorial, Throughout his life he had been a civil right activist. He proved himself a great orator with excellent oratorical skills. He received Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his contribution to the elimination of racial segregation and racial discrimination in America. He was the youngest man to receive the prize. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. King is often presented as a heroic leader in the history of modern American liberalism. 

Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” is a memorable speech particularly for the black American people. The speech is not only King’s most famous speech but also it has become the touchstone of American memory of the struggle for civil rights, This famous speech was delivered on 28th August 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. He addressed over 200,000 civil rights activists. Luther speaks with authority throughout the whole speech. At the very outset of his speech, he says that he is happy to join the congregation of Civil Rights Movement activists. It was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement. King’s speech is a call for granting the rights of freedom and equality to the black American people. 

When America as a nation came into being, the Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution of America granted freedom and equal rights for all. But the nation did not grant those rights to the back people in practice. Instead, they were made salves. Then took place the American Civil War on the issue of slavery. Even though slavery as an institution was abolished and the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, the Negroes were being deprived of their legitimate rights. Now they are united to press for the rights of freedom and equality. The Civil Rights Movement activists have gathered at the Lincoln Memorial. Luther King is addressing the multitude of the activists. He feels happy and proud to be there. He is confident that the day will be remembered long for the gathering. He says that it will go down as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of American nation. Thousands of people gathered to voice their demands. Luther’s whole speech is about the rights for freedom and equality for the black american people. The occasion is really memorable.