Martin Luther King Jr. An American Hero - 1193 Words

Thomas Jefferson once said, â€Å"All men are created equal.† These famous words soon became the basis of American ideology, and they outlined the new concept of democracy and American government. They represented what America stood for, nevertheless, these words were untrue. Although all men were created equal, they were not treated equally. Blacks were simply thought to be born inferior to Whites. This inequality was due to the excessive racism engraved in American society, which was rooted from the times of slavery in the American South. African Americans went through generations of struggle to get freedom and equality. They first fought for the abolishment of slavery and then the status of a citizen. However, this still did not create a†¦show more content†¦In 1957, King formed an organization called the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference). The organization’s objective was to fight segregation and attain Civil Rights for Blacks, through the use of Black churches. Churches teamed up with members and executed protests under the direction of King. For example, the SCLC organized multiple marches such as the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom. In April of 1963, King and the SCLC organized the Birmingham Campaign. This consisted of a series of boycotts, marches, and sit-ins in Birmingham, Alabama to fight the segregation laws of the city. However, the Birmingham Campaign met very fierce resistance. Police used high-pressure hoses, dogs, and other harsh methods to control protesters. When media captured this footage, it played a significant role in shaping public perception, as it made people feel sympathetic towards Blacks. Overall, King’s efforts with the SCLC had a great impact on the Civil Rights Movement, by increasing public support and awareness. Additionally, one of King’s greatest speeches was carried out on August 28th of 1963. On this day the March to Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place. Over 250,000 Americans came to Washington DC to gather for one of the biggest political gatherings of the Civil Rights Movement. In front of the Lincoln Memorial, King delivered his most famous, â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech. The speech was aShow MoreRelated Martin Luther King Jr. Essay926 Words   |  4 Pagesindividuals and learn about past people who have had a great effect on people showing us what a true hero is. The late Martin Luther King Jr. is a hero in the eyes of people due to the fact that he spoke his mind as a social activist, risked his life to end segregation, and stood up for what he believed was right during the civil rights movement. Overall he was a hero for the common race. Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and developed into a well-mannered and highly educated individualRead MoreThe Heroic Life of Martin Luther King600 Words   |  3 PagesThe Heroic Life of Martin Luther King Jr. Based on the information in Britannica School Encyclopedia Martin Luther King Jr. was a historical figure in African American history. He held many things to end segregation. Martin Luther King was a hero in the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, was a Civil Rights activist during the 1950’s until his death on April 4, 1968. He held many non-violent protests against segregation. He gave famous speechesRead MoreMy Hero: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay542 Words   |  3 PagesA hero is somebody who commits an act of remarkably bravery or who has shown an admirable quality such as great courage or strength of character. (Encarta, 2009) Joseph Campbell has come up with eight of his own characteristics of a hero. 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Martin Luther King Jr. was an American minister, Civil Rights leader, and activist who had a strong belief in nonviolent protests (history.com; Martin Luther King Jr.). He was the leader behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington which were eventually effective and a law was passed to end racial discrimination (history.com; Martin Luther King Jr.). On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested forRead MoreHard Rock Returns to Prison from the Hospital for the Criminal Insane by Etheridge Knight549 Words   |  3 Pagesanalogies (implied or clearly stated) to appeal to the readers senses and draw them into the story (and ultimately the motif). The poems narrative is centered around a heroic character named Hard Rock. The name Hard Rock is a complicated pun on the American penal system and rock/jazz music as well. Although the term the Rock, is associated with the military/federal prison in the San Francisco Bay, the term hard rock epitomizes freedom (in music). The phrase/name Hard Rock is an excellent exampleRead MoreCoretta Scott, Not Just the Wife of Martin Luther King Jr. Essay1441 Words   |  6 Pageswife of Martin Luther King Jr. But what about the important things she did for this country? Coretta put her life in danger for believing what she supported and was right. Mrs. King also had programs to stay together with the community. She supported other people’s beliefs and doing that gave some people motivation that anything is possible. People also have to give her credit for even being Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife. His family had to go through a lot with him being an African American tryingRead M ore: A Hero Is A Hero1414 Words   |  6 PagesPeople define the word â€Å"hero† differently. Some see them as a dragon slayer that has been tormenting the hero’s village, or someone who sneaks into a booby-trapped cave trying to retrieve a precious stone while simultaneously trying to stay alive. Others see them as someone that flies over their home city saving a baby from a bunch of armed burglars, fighting them with laser vision. Merriam Webster defines it as a â€Å"mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strengthRead MoreBeing A Hero Means To Be A Leader. To Be A Leader You Have1124 Words   |  5 PagesBeing a hero means to be a leader. To be a leader you have to have strength, courage, and commitment. In the 1960s there were many leaders fighting for what they believe is right of freedom and equality of all people. Major leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X they were involved with the Civil Rights Movement during the 60s. They were willing to fight until the end to make a change in society. Both men wanted to give the rights to all black people in America of living as an equalRead MoreClaudette Colvin : Martin Luther King Jr. And Rosa Parks813 Words   |  4 PagesWhen many people think of the Civil Rights Movement and its leaders, the first names that comes to mind are Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. However, there were so many people that were just as influential and deserving of recognition as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. One of these people, Claudette Colvin, was â€Å"Rosa Parks before Rosa Parks†. Claudette Colvin grew up in King Hill, Alabama- a close-knit community that was stuck between two white neighborhoods. She attended a one-room