Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Nasra Roble

Mr. Laggis

CPW4U

December 22, 2006

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Political Icon

There are a select few individuals who have come variously to be called “great” or “brilliant” because they and their accomplishments have forever changed society and the world. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of those individuals. Martin Luther King's contributions to history place him in this inimitable position. One of the great figures in the march of human history, Martin Luther King Jr., like Gandhi before him, lived by a heroic credo of non-violence. More than two decades since his death, Martin Luther King ideas; his call for racial equality, his faith in the ultimate triumph of justice, and his insistence on the power of nonviolent struggle to bring about a major transformation of American society- are as vital and timely as ever. Many seek a leader that can provide assurance to their lives. Martin Luther King's dream became that beacon of hope to African Americans and everyone seeking equality and justice.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired people throughout the world to strive for the ideals of equality and non-violence; ideals to which he dedicated his life. He dreamed of a world blind to the lines of color and he worked unceasingly and peacefully to obtain that goal. His peaceful resistance was inspired by Mohandas Gandhi, who led the peaceful struggle for India's independence from Great Britain (Cone, 1969). Like his mentor, Gandhi, he believed in expressing your feeling in peaceful ways. Dr. King’s one mission was to improve race relations for all people regardless of color through non-violent means. Dr. King was beaten, arrested and in constant danger yet he refused to give up on his dream that all men would be treated equal (Cone, 1969). With his constant pursuit for civil rights, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped bridge the gap between races during the 1960s. His unique approach of using non-violent protests helped create an awareness of the inequalities the African Americans had to endure during this time period (Lewes, 1970). King, quickly realized that the best strategy to liberate African-Americans and gain them rights was to use nonviolent forms of protest. He recognized that nonviolence was strategically the only realistic option for oppressed African-Americans to achieve justice as well as the fact that violence would simply polarize the races and make true justice and reconciliation impossible (King, 1983). This gave King, like Mohandas Gandhi, the stature of being both a great moral leader and a brilliant political strategist (Cone, 1969). King organized marches, speeches, and much more to motivate the Africans of America to fight for their rights. His political philosophy and strong beliefs helped lead a nation to the racial justice it has today.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great speaker, a role-model, and a man who wasn’t afraid to “dream”. Black Americans needed a Martin Luther King, but above all the world needed him. The significant qualities of this special man cannot be underestimated nor taken for granted. Within a span of thirteen years from 1955 to his death in 1968 he was able to expound, expose, and extricate America from many wrongs (Cone, 1969). Martin Luther King was such an inspirational leader because he appealed to not only the black population, but he appealed to all people who believed in equality and freedom. King, not only spoke with purpose but also with a style unlike any others. He was an inspirational speaker and a motivational leader. He was viewed as a clean cut, all round good man, and unlike other leaders in the movement for racial equality, did not have an unorthodox, radical views (N/A, 2006). Since people did not see him as a threat, but as a peaceful man, leading a movement, he was easy to support. King was basically a peaceful leader who urged non-violence to his followers. Dr. King utilized his charisma and inspirational tactics to change the views and beliefs of a nation and to lead his people throughout their course of the civil rights movement (King, 1983). His personality consisted of every good characteristic needed of a leader. He was sensible at all times and his ability to clearly state his ideas and thoughts surrounding peace and equality in the United States. There were other rights movements going on at the same time that Dr. King was leading his peaceful rights movements (King, 1983). The Black Panthers and other militant groups, some under Malcolm X's philosophy, often time would question King's leadership (N/A, 2006). King spoke in an articulate manner and his ability to persuade and inspire is rivalled by none. He traveled about the country giving