1963 March On Washington Speech Analysis

Perhaps the most prominent figure of change in 20th century America was Baptist minister turned social activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Born into a black, middle class family in Georgia, Dr. King grew up in one of the nations darkest periods of discrimination and hatred. After pursuing a rigorous and extensive education, fledgling civil-rights activism turned King to enroll in a seminary and devote his life to fighting systemic issues of racial, economic and broad injustice. However, change seldom occurs in a vacuum, and his initial influence was largely isolated to the black community. Dr. King’s capstone speech during the historic 1963 March on Washington allowed his voice to reach the ears of diverse groups across the nation. The speech is an eloquent and broad call for civil and economic reform, expressing his unfulfilled dream of transcendent tolerance and equality. Antithetically, Dr. King was shot dead the subsequent morning by white supremacist James Earl Ray. Though Ray may have killed the messenger, he could not silence the message; …show more content…
Women strive for equal pay and opportunity in a predominantly patriarchal society. The LGBT community works to overcome prejudice and discrimination. The shootings of unarmed black men have sparked a movement against police brutality towards minorities. Armed conflicts in the East have spurred a global refugee crisis, with a massive influx of displaced and desperate families facing an ever tense and conflicted world. However helpless King’s pursuit may seem, it recons his important quote; “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” It is indisputable that progress has been made to drastically reform society. Therefore, Dr. King’s realistic approach would both acknowledge global progress and encourage its