Facing Adversity: Martin Luther King Jr. and My Father

Most people do not actively seek out adversity, yet few can escape encountering adversity in the form of hardships and afflictions. Two people who faced great adversity in their lives were Martin Luther King Jr. and my father Brent Vickery. These men both faced adversity in different degrees and at different times and places within the United States, but what makes them similar is that their strength of character allowed them to face adversity boldly.

Martin Luther King Jr. is a prominent inspiration to me because he was a passionate man who brought about change to the world around him. He was a strong leader that many people devoutly followed. His ability to gain followers was undeniably amazing. Accordingly, he used his strong leadership skills and passion for equality to bring about change. He was only one man, but he did extraordinary things. He created alternatives in this great nation. His ability to alter people’s minds through frequent speeches and appearances, where he spoke of his aspirations, was very admirable. Dr. King made it clear that all one needs is a driving passion for a worthy cause. Therefore, he had this driving passion, and these things are a part of what made him an effective leader. He was zealous about gaining equality, and he would not let his adversaries deny him of his goal. Dr. King was one leader that utilized his passion to form a better world and overcome his afflictions. One such affliction was a result of the I Have a Dream speech, which turned out to be very inspiring. Unfortunately, it prompted people to contemplate their hatred and wrongdoings, and for others it prompted them to get rid of him for inspiring our nation. Nevertheless, he encouraged people by this particular speech, and I wou...

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...sity. He developed ambition within himself, because he wanted to be better than when he started. He did not really have a true father figure to tell him exactly what to do. He chose to do the right things, such as go to college, which would make him a better person in the end. Moreover, I respect Dr. King and my father for their perseverance, and I hope that I may live my life with the similar integrity and strength that they have lived theirs with, until I die.

Dr. King and my father both faced certain adversaries in their lives, and yet they were successful in overcoming them. They used their respective abilities to overcome the obstacles, and I realized, recently that I have some of these same abilities. These two men were influences and inspirations to who I am and who I aspire to be, and I hope that one day I can become a similar inspiration to someone else.