Martin Luther King Jr Civil Rights Speech Analysis

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Growing up African American is one thing, but growing up African American during a time of hatred and racism towards the colored population is another. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived in a period where no individual of color had the ability to be his or her own person, but went on and made a decision to create change in the African American community as a whole. He was encouraged to do such, by becoming a Baptist minister and social activist, all while living his life as one of the most important leaders in the American Civil Rights movement. Dr. King was inspired to seek equality for all African Americans, as well as being determined, motivated, and a firm force behind historical events that gave him such a praised name. His many endeavors …show more content…
King begins his speech with honorable recognition to a fellow friend and how he is in awe of the many faces that showed up, just as determined as he is. He gives awareness to those listening about what is going on around them, right there in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. King then goes on to explain his passion through the many different ages in history, but how the age in which he is present, is the one that brings the most satisfaction. He states how he would come upon the many days of significance, in places such as Egypt, Greece, the Roman Empire, but lets it be known, he wouldn’t stop there. He would travel to the Renaissance, continue on to watch Martin Luther tack on the ninety-five theses to a church door, but still, he wouldn’t stop there. Dr. King said he would go to the day President Abraham Lincoln would realize that he needed to sign the Emancipation Proclamation, come upon the days of the early thirties, but he wouldn’t stop there. At that moment, he goes on to state, ”Strangely enough, I would turn to the Almighty, and say, "If you allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the 20th century, I will be happy." ’’(“Martin Luther King Jr.”1). The point to be understood during that particular part of Dr. King’s speech was that he understands what is happening. King knows that it needs to be dark to see the light, and where they are at, in that time period, is