Martin Luther King And The Voting Rights Movement

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In the 1950’s and through the 1960’s segregation and racism was growing like a wildfire through America, and especially down south,but one man stood up and said enough was enough his name was Martin Luther King. Segregation is when people are divided into different groups and in some areas segregation was by law. During the 50’s and 60’s black people were separated from the white people. The blacks were forced to use different water fountains, entry ways, and in some places not even allowed to enter the facility, and also had to sit in the back of the bus while the whites rode in the front, and the list goes on. But another term that was widely practiced was Racism, and racism is the sense that someone else’s ethnic group is superior to another. …show more content…

Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.King's early life, leadership during the voting rights movement, and also his role in the marches and protest against racism have all led to his legacy that is still strong …show more content…

King played a major role in the voting rights movement, which has made an long lasting impression on the African American community, because of his determination. There were few white people that believed in segregation and racism, but some did and kept it hidden. But, president Eisenhower saw a wrongdoing and did something he thought might help,“In 1957 president Eisenhower passed a civil rights legislation, one part stated that anyone accused of violating one's voting rights would be given a trial in the state court,but king wanted the cases in a federal court because he knew that the jury in the southern states would not stand up for African Americans” (Schuman 60-61). King was greatly looked down on by many because they felt that blacks already had too much freedom. But King was determined to gain voting rights for blacks, so “ King asked to meet with Eisenhower to discuss this, but the president refused. So King thought of another way to draw attention to his concerns...led a prayer vigil at the steps of the lincoln monument…” (Schuman 60-61). Although the president would not personally meet with him Martin still made his voice heard. He would not let one person ruin or bring down his drive for change. Martin held a “Give us the Ballot” speech. This got the black community rejuvenated and which gave them a long lasting sense of pride and dignity. This speech also got them determined, and enthusiastic to step forth. This sense of dignity has never died even

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