Martin Luther King Jr.: How Society Changed

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During the course of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, there were several black and white supporters who had brave roles. The most prominent and persistent activist of African American rights movement was Martin Luther King Jr. King’s ideas sparked the ideal perspective of equality. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for equality by organizing marches, giving powerful speeches, and staying positive through adversity. Martin Luther King Jr. knew of the constant racism and cruelty in Birmingham, Alabama and decided to lead a march in 1963. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy, treasurer of the SCLC, led a group of fifty marchers toward city hall in Birmingham (Boerst, 12). Martin Luther King Jr. and the protestors wanted to stand up to the harshness of Birmingham officials. Police arrested most of the protestors, including King and Abernathy (Boerst, 12). During King’s time in jail, he wrote a long letter describing the cruelty of Birmingham (Boerst, 12). In King’s letter, he blamed the white community for its unequal treatment of African Americans (Boerst, 14). He also wanted the protestors to make a stand that would force white officials to negotiate African American rights (Boerst, 14). Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy were released on bond after eight days in jail (Boerst, 14). Meanwhile, King’s letter became famous for proof of nonviolent protests (Boerst, 14). The letter proved to address the cleverness of nonviolent acts facing the cruelty of Birmingham citizens. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech “I Have A Dream” was made on August 28, 1963 in Washington D.C. (Garrow). This speech encouraged the need for economic opportunity and freedom. Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech expressed the hard... ... middle of paper ... ... Act of 1964, which banned segregation in public accommodations. Martin Luther King’s strategies also rewarded him the Nobel Peace Prize. Martin Luther King’s leadership paved equality for future generations. Works Cited Bausum, Anne. Marching to the Mountaintop. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 2012. Print. Boerst, J. William. Marching In Birmingham. Greensboro, North Carolina: Morgan Reynolds Publishing, 2008. Print. Garrow, David J. “I Have A Dream.” World Book Advanced. World Book, 2014. Web. 31 Jan. 2014. Kauffman, Jill. “Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.” Issues & Controversies in American History. Infobase Publishing, 16 June 2009. Web. 5 Feb. 2014. Lakeside Publishing Group, LLC. “Poor People’s Campaign, 1968.” Flash Focus: Equal Rights Under Law. 137-138. US: Lakeside Publishing Group, LLC, 2005. History Reference Center. Web. 6 Feb. 2014.

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