civil rights

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In the 50’s and 60’s, all African Americans wanted were civil rights. Before and during World War II, they were not treated as equals by a large portion of American society. Someone had to provide leadership to the African American civil rights movement. While other leaders may have contributed in achieving civil rights, the most effective leader was Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. had many successful speeches and most importantly, nonviolent protests. As Martin Luther King Jr. became more and more involved in the civil rights movement, King was influenced by the beliefs of Mohandas K. Gandhi. Gandhi preached a philosophy of nonviolence as the only way to achieve victory against much stronger foes. During a trip to India in 1959, King met with followers of Gandhi. King had said “As I read, I became deeply fascinated by his campaigns of nonviolent resistance. As I delved deeper into the philosophy of Gandhi, my skepticism concerning the power of love gradually diminished, and I came to see for the first time its potency in the area of social reform.” A Protest Martin Luther King Jr. carried out was called “March of Washington” which took place in August 1963 where people came from all over the country to call for jobs and freedom. There, Martin Luther King Jr., also delivered his famous speech, “I Had a Dream.” He had given his speech at the Lincoln Memorial, right in front of the white house where President John F. Kennedy stayed. Kennedy had said in a statement issued “that the civil rights leaders had addressed the crowd from the Lincoln Memorial, a gesture that he called "appropriate." He hailed the demonstration as an advance in the cause of civil rights and said he had been impressed by the "deep fervor and th...

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...Luther King Jr. spoke from his heart, not his head. He honored God and his fellow man. He was a hero of the highest order. He was not afraid of putting himself at risk. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wanted equal rights for all of mankind. He was a peacemaker. Violence was not the answer for him. He was a faithful man of God. He marched for civil rights, and was courageous for those who did not have power or a voice. He spoke for those who were forced to remain silent. He was brave because he knew that it was dangerous for him to fight for his beliefs as well as others. He knew that there were tremendous risks involved in fighting for what he knew in his heart was right. He accomplished more than anyone would imagine. He deserves honor and respect. Although other leaders may have contributed in achieving civil rights, the most effective leader was Martin Luther King Jr.

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