Martin+Luther+King+Jr.+-+SP09

Rosa Parks

Martin Luther King Jr. was a great leader during the Civil Rights movement in the 1950's-1960's. He did much to help blacks achieve freedoms that had been kept from them since the day that they were born. He sought to end the segregation laws, and create voting and labor right laws for African Americans. Through marches, such as "The March on Washington" where he delivered his famous, "I Have a Dream" speech, he made the public aware of the civil injustices of his time and his hope of peace for the future. He founded the SCLC and also organized the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, where he was said to have gotten the inspiration from myself. He trekked to the Deep South in Birmingham, Alabama, to help the problem from the source. His use of non-violent acts of protest such as sit-ins arose much controversy and brought the issue publicly known to make negotiations possible. He even was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his part in ending segregation and racial discrimination for the African American community. His work was abrutly ended in 1968 when he was assassinated by a civilian, but now he celebrate his life every January 15 as a national holiday.

With his leadership, he helped increase African American's freedom in this great country. Now after all these years, blacks are able to go where they please without the fear of being verbally threatened or attacked. People aren't judged by the color of their skin, but the person that they are. Not only blacks, but anyone of a different skin tone have an equal chance at achieving the American dream, by having the same chance as everyone else to get what they desire. Without the barrier of race, the chances are unlimited as we look at the successes of people like Oprah, Madam C.J. Walker, and Clarence Thomas, who have achieved their goals despite the fact of their race. Without the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. America may not be the country it is today; but thanks to his sacrifices everyone can enjoy the American dream.