Similarities Between Cesar Chavez And Martin Luther King Jr

Words: 905
Pages: 4

Prompt #4

The struggle for freedom was a prevalent issue across the U.S. throughout the 1960s and 70s as hundreds of thousands of individuals came together to put an end to the oppression and marginalization that has plagued our nation since its inception. At the head of each movement and organization that yearned for equality was an individual who transcended their status as a leader and to become a symbol for an entire movement. Two of the most iconic examples of these symbolic leaders are Martin Luther King Jr. of the Civil Rights Movement of the late 60s, and Cesar Chavez, who lead the united farm workers during much of the same era. Although Martin Luther King and Cesar Chavez shared their roles as instigators and those willing to sacrifice, they differed in the message they used to inspire those in the fight for equal rights.
…show more content…
Each of these activists utilized their command of public speaking and speech giving as important tools to unite and assemble to masses in support and protest. These speeches were meant to inspire and whip the crowd of supporters into a hunger that wouldn’t be satisfied until their demands were met. Examples of this are the speeches given at rallies, like Chavez’ “The Union and The Strike” speech given at a National Farm Workers Association meeting, and, one of the most famous civil rights speeches ever made, Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, given during the March On Washington in 1963. Both of these speeches had intent of instigating protest and inspiring direct action. This goes to represent how both of the men were the park that ignited their movement with rallying calls to action and inspirational