For the purpose of this discussion, I have taken a speech “I have a Dream” by Dr.

Martin

Luther King. Dr. Martin Luther King is addressing his audience in a ‘freedom

demonstration’ about the rights and freedom of the American, especially the Negros. He

passionately describes the challenges the Negros have had since the time the

Emancipation Proclamation was signed. According to Martin Luther King, the signing of

the Emancipation Proclamation promised Americans, including the Negros, freedom

from all forms of injustices.

Martin describes the lack of freedom, segregation, discrimination, poverty, and inhuman

treatment of the Negros as the cause of their demonstration as he said “and so we’ve

come here today to dramatize a shameful condition” (King, 1968).

According to King, the constitution and the declaration of independence promised all

Americans equal rights, regardless of their colors, yet, he claimed, “it is obvious today

that America has defaulted on this promissory note, in so far as her citizens of color are

concerned” (King, 1968). He described the denial of justice to his people, the Negros as

being giving 'an empty check’ with ‘insufficient funds’. He urged his followers to reject

the bankruptcy of injustice and the denial of opportunities in their own nation.

According to King, the demands were urgent and there was no time for delaying justice

to the Negros, “this is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the

tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of

democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to

the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of

racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality

for all of God’s children” (King, 1968).

Throughout his speech, King continues to call on his people to demand for their rights

and freedom from their authorities in every parts of the country they live. He passionately

speaks of the dreams he has for his nation and hoping that one day those dreams will be

realized and his people will be free from oppression, brutality, and poverty.

What stood out from me in the speech was his call for peace in the cause their demands.

He warmed his subjects not to engage in brutality in the pursuits of their rights. He said,

“in the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let

us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and

hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.

We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and

again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force”

(King, 1968).

King believed that they could achieve their intentions without being hostile, something

that could be faced with hostility from their oppressors as a justification for the wrong

acts by the demonstrators. King teaches us that we can achieve freedom without

bloodshed and that when we come together for a common cause, our voice can be heard

and change can be achieved.

From the text, I can say that King was a great leader who minded about the freedoms and

rights of everybody, especially those oppressed because of either their color, creed,

believes, etc.

We all can take lessons from King and achieve changes for different groups of people in

our societies and improve on the living conditions of our people.

Reference:

King, M. L. (1968). The Art of Manliness. Retrieved July 10, 2021, from Art of

Manliness: https://www.artofmanliness.com/i-have-a-dream-by-dr-martin- luther-

king/