LAD #25

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech:

In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave the extremely powerful and memorable "I Have a Dream Speech", an eloquently written and touching speech that affected the views of black and white Americans all over. The most noticeable element of the speech is Martin Luther King's peaceful tone that is maintained throughout the speech. Martin Luther King begins the speech by addressing his audience and stating his gratitude for the opportunity to give his speech. He continues to address that although Lincoln emancipated black slaves throughout the nation one hundred years ago, black people do not enjoy the equality, happiness, and rights that white people often take for granted today. Martin Luther King compares the rights of black people to a bad check; a check needed to be cashed in. He refused to believe that the United States would willingly and intentionally give this "faulty check" to the black population, and peacefully stated that it was time for African Americans to cash their checks in to the bank. They would then be given equal rights and treatment to whites. Martin Luther King stated that it was very important for blacks to maintain their peaceful approach to their quest for equality. They would never be respected by whites if they decided that violence was the way to achieve their goals. Martin Luther King also encouraged blacks to stick together in their challenging journey, so they could endure their fate together. Martin Luther King went on to describe his dreams: his dreams of equality, justice, peace, true comradarie and union between races. Martin Luther King Jr. concludes his speech by stating his belief that Americans can rise above their past racist attitudes and can learn to embrace all people so the country is more unified than ever. This is his dream, and he strongly believes that Americans can carry his dream out.