On August 23, 1963, civil rights leaders led a march in Washington, DC. Speeches were given and music played to show support of civil rights legislation and to protest racial discrimination. One of the speakers was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a minister and civil rights activist. His speech “I Have a Dream” is one of the most well-known speeches of all time. His message is powerful and based on a dream for our country.
American Dream
The address took place on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. King said, “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the “Unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” He states that it’s a “sacred obligation” America promises its people.
His words are a direct quote from The Declaration of Independence. King reminds us of the promises our founding fathers, the architects of our republic stated. He holds our country accountable, which is the duty of the people.
He goes further by reminding the government that “Unalienable Rights” along with “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” are for all people. Black people, white people, everyone.
King’s Dream
Later in his speech, King quotes The Declaration again when he says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” He calls our leaders to uphold these words that are the foundation of our country.
He is using the original words of a national document and stays true to them. By quoting the Declaration of Independence King shows he grounds his leadership and his ministry to a firm base. To stay strong as a people and as a nation, we have to uphold our foundation. Continue reading “More Than a Dream”
