128 Martin Luther King Topics & Essay Examples

Looking for Martin Luther King topics to research? Being one of the most prominent human rights activists in the 20th century, MLK is definitely worth writing about!

🔝 Top Martin Luther King topics to Write about

🏆 best martin luther king essay examples, 👨🏿 martin luther king essay titles, 🎓 creative titles for mlk essay, ❓ research questions about martin luther king.

Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist minister and a civil rights defender who rose to fame in 1955. In his iconic “I have a dream” speech, he talked about civil and economic rights for people of color in the US.

In your Martin Luther King essay, you might want to focus on his ideas and philosophy. Why is MLK considered a hero? How did he change the world? In your paper, you can answer these questions. Another option is to look at the main themes Martin Luther King touched upon in his speeches. One more idea is to analyze the key quotes of MLK. Whether you are assigned an argumentative essay or a research paper, this article will be helpful. It contains a list of catchy MLK essay titles, best Martin Luther King topics, and research questions. Martin Luther King essay examples are added to inspire you even more.

  • Martin Luther King: ideas and philosophy
  • Why is MLK considered a hero?
  • The Montgomery bus boycott: the significance
  • I have a dream: rhetorical analysis
  • MLK and the idea of peaceful protest
  • Assassination of Martin Luther King
  • Martin Luther King Jr. and Christian ideas
  • Martin Luther King and his views on the Vietnam war
  • MLK: the role in popular culture
  • MLK assassination: conspiracy theories
  • Essay on Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream Speech One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination…….
  • I Have a Dream Speech Analysis The speech has become a symbol of a new era of freedom and symbol of the American civil rights movement.”I Have a Dream” is a representation of the “America Dream” about a free and equal […]
  • The Comparison of the Speeches by Martin Luther King and Alicia Garza Both speeches address the same issue that concerns the inequality that exists in the US society when it comes to the rights of black and white people.
  • How could King be more upset with moderate whites than violent extremists like clansmen? In his letter, King is trying to persuade and win the authority of the white man who in the real sense had acted as a hindrance to the attainment of the various goals of the […]
  • “Letter From Birmingham Jail” Rhetorical Analysis Essay He supports his argument in the next paragraph, where he puts it across that they have been governed by a combination of unjust and just law whereby there is a need to separate the two.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. vs. Nelson Mandela Letter from Birmingham jail was directed to the people and the eight white clergy members in Birmingham who condemned the actions of Martin Luther in public.
  • Martin Luther King’s Speech: A Summary King noted that the constitution and the Declaration of Independence guaranteed the freedom and equality of all the citizens of the country.
  • Use of Pathos: Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” During his lifetime, Martin Luther King Junior had the privilege of giving several speeches whose main theme in almost all was on the freedom of the black Americans.’I have a dream’ was among the many […]
  • Ethical Leadership: Martin Luther King All individuals were expected to consider his actions and embrace the idea of morality. Through the use of a positive community culture and empowerment tactics, King managed to model such desirable behaviors.
  • Analysis of “I Have a Dream “, by Martin Luther King, Jr. They are used in the speech to capture the attention of the audience. Repetition is used throughout the speech to put an emphasis on the main idea of the message.
  • Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Critique The purpose of the king’s speech was to motivate the endorsement of change within the Americans, and the state, in relation to Americans’ inappropriate views towards unlike races or tribal groups in America.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. as a Born Leader King was a trait leader, as he was able to translate his vision or his dream to others and make them enthusiastic about it.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s and Alicia Garza’s Speeches Comparison He demonstrates inspiration and magnetism, explaining the history of the issues affecting the audience. Garza is passionate about leaving her home and joining the movements on the streets to pass the message of freedom.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s and Malcolm X’s Leadership Styles Thesis: Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were both charismatic leaders, but the latter was more of a transformational leader as well because of his idealistic views and his ability to inspire his followers to […]
  • Speech Evaluation: Martin Luther King, Jr. The analysis of the speech helps to understand various tools and techniques, which he implemented to find the way to reach the audience.
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Steve Jobs: Comparison In the case of Martin Luther King Jr, his commitment to non-violent resistance as a way of effecting social change was informed by his Christian upbringing and study of Mohandas Gandhi’s philosophy.
  • Comparing the Oratory Styles and Impact of Martin Luther King Jr. and Alicia Garza On the other hand, Alicia Garza also displays a level of passion and charisma that captures the attention of her audience.
  • Rhetorical Techniques in “Letter From Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King His flawless use of metaphors and parallelism allows the reader or the audience to empathize with King and support him in his fight against racial injustice.
  • Rousseau’s the Social Contract vs. Martin Luther King His “Social Contract” is one of the most intriguing writings of Rousseau because he defends man, though being part of the society has its own right in terms of privacy.
  • Martin Luther King and Winston Churchill’s Leadership Styles This move that paved the way for his growth in the military career later led to his emergence as a renowned leader in Britain and across the world.
  • Martin Luther King and Thomas Hobbes on the Subject of Justice This paper discusses the subject of justice and specifically holds the view that justice is to follow one’s consciousness, and not to obey the unjust law.
  • Martin Luther King and Malcolm X Although Malcolm X did not favor violence, he had a strong objection on the subject of nonviolence philosophy on the blacks.
  • Comparing Views on the Feminism of Wollstonecraft and Martin Luther King This means that if women are given and encouraged to have the same level of education as the men than the society would be a much better place as both the female and male genders […]
  • “Why We can’t Wait” by Martin Luther King (Jr) He was quick to emphasize confidently that the reason for writing the letter was not in response to criticism but to the injustice, which was persistent in Birmingham. The letter is a strong response in […]
  • “The Quest for Peace and Justice” by Martin Luther King King states that poverty is one of the main problems for the global community, both in developing and economically developed countries.
  • Analysis of the Kings Letter From Birmingham Jail From the biblical stand, the king was justified to move in the hope that his contributions would bring change in the destined world.
  • Analyzing Martin Luther Speech “I Have a Dream” It is also imperative to note that Luther is addressing all Americans, both white and black, and hence the use of words “we” and “our”.
  • The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial of Honor The design of the memorial refers to the line about a stone of hope in Dr. The creative expression in the monument thoroughly captures the people’s perception of Dr.King.
  • “Letter From Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr. King that supports his position is that protests began after multiple attempts by the representatives of the Black community to regulate disagreements peacefully and attract White authorities’ attention to the inappropriateness of segregation. Thus, the […]
  • Elvis Presley and Martin Luther King’s Shared Dream The similarities between the song and the speech concern both the form and content of the test, with the key message being the desire for a better world in which everyone can exist in harmony […]
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy and Modern-Day Criticism King was linked to the development of the civil rights movement as it was considered to cause a lot of revolution in the country through the use of peaceful demonstrations, which succeeded in the attainment […]
  • Martin Luther King’s and Alicia Garza’s Speeches A master of words, a preacher, and a fighter for the equality of people before God and the law, King speaks with hope for a better future for the world and the nation.
  • Martin Luther King’s Leadership Approach Moreover, King was part of the change and provided a good example to the people making the crowd trust the idea of equality in the country.
  • The Impact of Martin Luther King’s Death Luther King’s personality, his life, and his death caused more significant changes in expanding the rights of the African American people.
  • The Speeches by Martin Luther King and Malcolm X I want to thank you for this interesting and properly built discussion about how justice and the law are combined in the speeches by Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. The indefatigable aggressiveness of the […]
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.dealt a blow to the ideology of nonviolence and love that underpinned King’s philosophy and which he sought to make basic ideas for the civil rights movement.
  • Analysis of “I Have a Dream” Speech of Martin Luther King He could explain what was happening to the African Americans of that times and how its was affecting the lives of millions of people in the country.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. as an Equality Activist At one time, Martin doubted which profession to give preference to medicine or law, everything was decided in favor of the ministry of the church, which influenced the education and literacy of the future leader.
  • Martin Luther King Jr: American Civil Rights Leader This was an act of defiance against the laws which segregated the buses based on the color of the people.Dr. King led to the abolishment of the laws which were oppressive to the African-Americans.
  • Martin Luther King’s Speech “I Have a Dream” In conclusion, it is necessary to note that King’s speech is still relevant as nowadays, African Americans, immigrants, and females do not have opportunities that they would have in the world of justice.
  • John Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Abraham Lincoln: Principles of Leadership In this regard, John Kennedy stated in general that, “We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world or make it the last”.
  • Martin Luther King and His Trace in Chicago History The campaign targeted to improve the situation in the black neighborhoods and make stress the discrimination practices of realtors and housing officials of the city.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.: A Great Pastor King’s life was a continuation of the commitment his family had made to advance the ministry and mission of the Christian church.
  • The Martin Luther King Assassination Martin Luther King is often regarded as one of the most courageous leaders of the Civil Rights Movement in the history of the USA.
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X Under the leadership of Martin Luther King, whom the activists chose as their representative and leader, they protested the arrest with a bus boycott that put a strain on the town’s economy.
  • Historical Figures: Martin Luther King Jr. In his speeches, he also addressed controversial and urgent topics like the war in Vietnam and poverty opposing the policies that instigated it.’Freedom’ the word that he often used had the central place in his […]
  • Life of Martin Luther King and Modern Life Martin Luther King lived in the middle of the 20th century facing the problems of the American society of that time.
  • Martin Luther King Junior, Great American Leader I have always been aware of the fact that if I were to succeed in my life and become a great person, then I would have to develop a solid personality and character.
  • Kennedy’s and Martin Luther King’s Assassination in 1960’s The American history of assassinations in the 1960’s left an indelible mark in the minds of many people. Similar to the assassination of John F.
  • “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King: What Has Changed The constitution was drafted by the framers in such a manner that only White men who owned acres of land and property would be given the right to voice their opinion and decide the functioning […]
  • Martin Luther King Argument From Birmingham Jail King provides a clear background of the real reasons of his arrestment and his desire to grab attention of the Christian society of Birmingham’s clergymen in Alabama.Dr.
  • A Short Biography of Martin Luther King, Jr The aim of the proposed study is to explore the factors between the occurrence of King’s principles in a world of racial discrimination and the impact of non-violence and civil disobedience in the world of […]
  • Social Ethics. Letter from Martin Luther King Jr. The Letter that Martin Luther King wrote to eight ministers in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963 was in response to their published appeal to their congregations to stop demonstrating against the unjust segregation laws that had […]
  • Martin Luther King, Jr.: Leadership Analysis By studying the activity of prominent activists of the past and the key prerequisites to their success, it is possible to learn more about the art of leading others.
  • Leadership Lessons From Martin Luther King Jr. Born in 1929, Luther King Jr.lived during World War I and in the post-war era of the United States, which was characterized by the severe oppression and segregation of African-Americans within the country. Lessons to […]
  • Martin Luther King’s Public Speech In terms of strength and persuasive characteristics, the part of the speech, where King, makes an appeal to the Declaration of Independence is the most effective because he uses all three modes of appeal and […]
  • Martin Luther King and Malcolm X: Who Is Closer to Success? Martin Luther King Jr.and Malcolm X are remembered for their outstanding fight for civil rights in the United States at a time when the black community faced oppression and inequality in different ways.
  • Martin Luther King and His Impact on Society The ability of people to refuse to follow the regime is a major way how Martin Luther King accomplished change and respect towards the African American population.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Social and Political Philosophy C: “An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law”. C: “An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law”.
  • Martin Luther King’s Psychological Portrait Martin Luther King is one of the most prominent figures in the history of the United States who had a profound impact on the development of the country.
  • “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King: What We Already Achieved Martin Luther King is a figure of world significance whose famous speech influenced millions of people and led to significant reforms in the U.S. Yet, there are still certain areas in which the U.S.and would […]
  • “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King The fact that the word segregation was used in the second half of the 20th century is astonishing. In 1963, the city of Birmingham was considered a fortress of segregation.
  • The Speech “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King It could be said that the primary goal of the paper is to examine the effectiveness of the speech while evaluating the impact on the audience, occasion, speaker, and the lines of the speech.
  • The Civil Rights Movement: Martin King and Malcolm X’s Views King also stressed that the major concepts he adopted were taken from the “Sermon on the Mount and the Gandhian method of nonviolent resistance”.
  • Dr. Martin Luther King’s Speech I Have a Dream For example, at the beginning of the speech where he began by lamenting on the precarious justice system in the United States that was tilted against the Negros, he figuratively used the terms “promissory note,” […]
  • Martin Luther King’s Leadership in Historical Context The ideological commitment, articulation of the values, and the goals of the civil rights movements made King one of the leaders of all time.
  • “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” by Luther King Throughout, however, he refers back to the notion of time, the moment, and in this, he is addressing the concept of Kairos.
  • “I Have a Dream” Speech by Martin Luther King Jr Unlike previous presentations, the speech had an influence on the overall realization and implementation of statutory provisions that were critical to the sustenance of equality and justice in society.
  • Martin Luther King Theory: Issue of Power The letter teaches people of faith that they should use peaceful means in demanding for their rights. In conclusion, them letter by Martin Luther advocated for the respect of human rights.
  • Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Comparison In the entire history of the United States, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King were the greatest advocators of freedom and civil rights. He believed that the whites were not to be allowed to misbehave […]
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter From Birmingham Jail He raises the stakes in his letter by pointing out “…the intent of our peaceful, active action is to generate a crisis-filled situation that will certainly necessitate commencement of negotiations”. King’s letter reveal a man […]
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Movement Martin Luther King noticed the negative trend and he took his stand to make people see the devastating effects of the war.
  • Loury, Douglass, and King Jr. Loury addressed the challenge to liberals and conservatives that was in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. Loury found it difficult to sell the idea of self help and reliance among the black because […]
  • The Life and Work of Martin Luther King Jr. In this case, he can be boldly referred to as one of the best orators that the country has ever had. As a matter of fact, this march was done to demand for freedom and […]
  • Martin Luther King Junior Other clauses repeated in the speech include; ‘Now is the time’ found in the sixth paragraph of the speech, where Martin was emphasizing that the time of freedom had come.’Let freedom ring’ is another clause […]
  • Martin Luther King’s Last Speech He says that just like the biblical Jews who suffered in the wilderness, but their descendants finally reached the Promised Land, so will the descendants of the black people in the United States.
  • Obtaining Objective Truth in Regards to Martin Luther King’s Role in the Fight for Equality in the United States Historians and Scholar’s View of Martin Luther King’s Role in the Fight for Equality in the United States Historians and scholars have made a lot of contributions to discovering the life of Martin Luther King […]
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. He observed that the Whites had continually segregated and oppressed the Negroes despite the fact that, the latter had tried to emancipate themselves from the demeaning chains of racial prejudice and segregation that clouded the […]
  • Why the Philosophy of King is More Effective in Fighting Racism than Malcolm’s? The idea of harmony and respect of all human beings is a result of his Christian foundation as well as the philosophy of Gandhi that he encountered later on in his life.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream“ Martin Luther King is optimistic that African Americans will have basic rights including voting and other social rights in the future.
  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Foundation The Memorial is located in the South West region of the National Mall. It is believed that Martin Luther King, Jr.influenced and continues to influence every visitor in the museum.
  • Martin Luther King and The March on Washington To elaborate his point of view he refers to the Constitution which stated that people were equal in terms of their political rights, and shows how African-Americans were disfranchised by the government.
  • Forgiveness in Martin Luther’s Movement for Rights Blacks The bible teachings tell us that God exists in the holy trinity and the only way to forgive others is for us to be able to forgive our own transgressions.
  • The Fight for Equality in Martin Luther King’s Life and Writings The south was defeated and as such one of the effects of the war was to help reconstruct this region by putting in democratic laws.
  • Changing the Unjust Laws: “Letter From Birmingham Jail” Therefore, the main aim of the letter was to push for the changing of the unjust laws as well as upholding the Supreme Court ruling of the year 1954.
  • The Dangers of Dogmatism With Approaches Adopted by Martin Luther King Jr and Plato Moreover, King justified his pursuit of justice on the streets from the fact that the protests he organized were essentially peaceful and nonviolent; meaning that all he was trying to do was get his message […]
  • Reliability of King’s arguments The major conclusion of the part of Martin Luther King’s speech touching upon the issue of Ho Chi Min’s land reform is that this reform was benevolent for the peasants, and can be categorized as […]
  • The Black Arts Era: Contributions of Malcolm X & Martin Luther King Jr. The era was heralded by the establishment of the Black Arts Movement in Harlem in the decade of the 1960s. Many historians view this movement as the artistic arm of the Black Power movement, representing […]
  • Motivation Evaluation: Martin Luther King Jr. This enables us to understand the humanistic and diversity views of motivation in King. A diversity view of motivation points out the fact that King was a realist and pragmatic in his approaches.
  • Separate but Equal: “Letter From Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr. In particular, it is necessary to analyze this work in terms of ethos, pathos, and logos and the way in which King balances these three appeals in order to convince the readers.
  • Political Theories of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. The struggle reached a climax in the mid 1960s, and in the midst of it all were two charismatic and articulate leaders, Martin Luther King, Jr.and Malcolm X.
  • Martin Luther King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail” This letter from Birmingham Jail analysis essay shall highlight some of the issues discussed in the historic letter including King’s reason for being in Birmingham and why he felt compelled to break the law.
  • “Why We Can’t Wait” a Historical Document by Martin Luther King Jr. Many of the exceptional leaders in the past have spent some time in detention centers due to their aspiration to transform the society.
  • Was Martin Luther King Vital to the Gaining of Civil Rights for African Americans?
  • Does Martin Luther King Junior’s Life Affect His Children’s Lives?
  • Has Dr. Martin Luther King’s Dream Become Reality?
  • How Did Gandhi Influence Martin Luther King?
  • Why the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Should Be Repealed?
  • How Did Martin Luther King Affect the Civil Rights Movement?
  • How Did Religion Influence Martin Luther King?
  • How Far Did Martin Luther King Further the Cause of Civil Rights?
  • How Important Was Martin Luther King Compared to Malcolm X?
  • How Martin Luther King Predicted the Decline of the Mainline Church?
  • How Martin Luther King Would Have Viewed Comments about Hurricane Katrina?
  • How Much Impact Did Martin Luther King Have in Black Rights?
  • Why Does Martin Luther King Have a Public Holiday but Not Malcolm X?
  • Why Martin Luther King Jr Is a Machiavellian Leader?
  • Why Some Activists Rejected the Approach of Martin Luther King to Civil Rights?
  • What Are the Three Important Facts about Martin Luther King?
  • How Did Martin Luther King Change the World?
  • What Are the Five Accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr?
  • How Racism Experience Shaped Martin Luther King?
  • Do All States Recognize Martin Luther King Day?
  • What Did Martin Luther King Speak Out Against?
  • What Is the Main Purpose of Martin Luther King’s Speeches?
  • For What Was Martin Luther King Imprisoned?
  • Who Inspired Martin Luther King on Nonviolence Fight?
  • How Martin Luther King’s Ideas Represented in “Conscience for Change”?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 29). 128 Martin Luther King Topics & Essay Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/martin-luther-king-essay-examples/

"128 Martin Luther King Topics & Essay Examples." IvyPanda , 29 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/martin-luther-king-essay-examples/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '128 Martin Luther King Topics & Essay Examples'. 29 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "128 Martin Luther King Topics & Essay Examples." February 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/martin-luther-king-essay-examples/.

1. IvyPanda . "128 Martin Luther King Topics & Essay Examples." February 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/martin-luther-king-essay-examples/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "128 Martin Luther King Topics & Essay Examples." February 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/martin-luther-king-essay-examples/.

  • Nelson Mandela Topics
  • Apartheid Essay Topics
  • John F. Kennedy Questions
  • Leadership Qualities Research Ideas
  • Abraham Lincoln Topics
  • Social Justice Essay Ideas
  • Franklin Roosevelt Questions
  • Barack Obama Topics

Martin Luther King Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on martin luter king.

Martin Luther King Jr. was an African-American leader in the U.S. He lost his life while performing a peaceful protest for the betterment of blacks in America. His real name was Michael King Jr. He completed his studies and attained a Ph.D. After that, he joined the American Civil Right Movement. He was among one of the great men who dedicated their life for the community.

Martin Luther King Essay

Reason for Martin Luther King to be famous

There are two reasons for someone to be famous either he is a good man or a very bad person. Martin Luther King was among the good one who dedicated his life to the community. Martin Luther King was also known as MLK Jr. He gained popularity after he became the leader and spokesperson of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.

Martin Luther King was an American activist, minister, and humanitarian. Also, he had worked for several other causes and actively participated in many protests and boycotts. He was a peaceful man that has faith in Christian beliefs and non-violence. Also, his inspiration for them was the work of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. For his work in the field of civil rights, the Nobel Committee awarded him the Nobel Peace Prize.

He was a great speaker that motivated the blacks to protest using non-violence. Also, he uses peaceful strategies like a boycott, protest march , and sit-ins, etc. for protests against the government.

Impact of King

King is one of the renowned leaders of the African-American who worked for the welfare of his community throughout his life. He was very famous among the community and is the strongest voice of the community. King and his fellow companies and peaceful protesters forced the government several times to bend their laws. Also, kings’ life made a seismic impact on life and thinking of the blacks. He was among one of the great leaders of the era.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Humanitarian and civil rights work

As we know that King was a civic leader . Also, he has taken part in many civil right campaigns and boycotts like the Bus Boycott, Voting Rights and the most famous March on Washington. In this march along with more than 200,000 people, he marched towards Washington for human right. Also, it’s the largest human right campaign in U.S.A. history. During the protest, he gave a speech named “I Have a Dream” which is history’s one of the renowned speeches.

Death and memorial

During his life working as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement he makes many enemies. Also, the government and plans do everything to hurt his reputation. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. Every year the US celebrates his anniversary as Martin Luther King Jr. day in the US. Also, they honored kings’ memory by naming school and building after him and a Memorial at Independence Mall.

Martin Luther King was a great man who dedicated his whole life for his community. Also, he was an active leader and a great spokesperson that not only served his people but also humanity. It was due to his contribution that the African-American got their civil rights.

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • APJ Abdul Kalam
  • Jawaharlal Nehru
  • Swami Vivekananda
  • Mother Teresa
  • Rabindranath Tagore
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  • Subhash Chandra Bose
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Martin Luther King

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

tutor

  • Travelling Essay
  • Picnic Essay
  • Our Country Essay
  • My Parents Essay
  • Essay on Favourite Personality
  • Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
  • Essay on Knowledge is Power
  • Essay on Gurpurab
  • Essay on My Favourite Season
  • Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Google Play

143 Martin Luther King Jr Essay Topics

🏆 best martin luther essay topics, ✍️ martin luther essay topics for college, 🔎 good martin luther king research paper topics, 🎓 interesting martin luther king history essay & research titles, 💡 simple martin luther king essay ideas, ❓ martin luther king research questions, 📝 great ideas of martin luther king jr essay topics.

  • Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream”
  • The Speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” by Martin Luther King, Jr: Rhetorical Analysis
  • I Have a Dream Speech: Rhetorical Analysis
  • Rhetorical Analysis: “I Have a Dream” Speech
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s ”I Have a Dream” and Old Major’s in ”Animal Farm”
  • Dr. Martin Luther King “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”
  • Literary Devices in Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream”
  • Martin Luther King’s Three Ways to Meet Oppression Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an activist, spoke largely on oppression and classified three ways in which oppressed people can deal with their oppression.
  • Martin Luther King’s Leadership This paper analyzes Martin Luther King’s leadership style from the perspective of followership and gender theories.
  • Analysis of Martin Luther King Jr. Life The paper discusses Martin Luther King Jr.altered American society due to his background and education that allowed him to develop a growth mindset to overcome the obstacles.
  • “Letter From Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr.: Rhetorical Analysis By combining ethos, pathos, and logos in a natural way, the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr. becomes a powerful speech supported by main rhetorical tools.
  • Social and Personal Responsibility of Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement Martin Luther King, Jr. was a true embodiment of personal and social responsibility in the civil rights movement.
  • Martin Luther King Speech “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” The “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” speech addresses the subject that many people fighting against racism and segregation regarded as controversial at the time.
  • Why is Martin Luther King Jr. Speech “I Have a Dream” Still Important after 40 Years? Martin Luther king’s Speech, “I Have a Dream” is still relevant today because it reflects the main problems and social issues affected modern society.
  • Fredrick Douglass and Martin Luther King Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King are famous African American leaders of the 19th and 20th centuries dedicated lives to fighting for the rights of the oppressed population.
  • An Analysis of a Letter by Martin Luther King The purpose of the letter is to justify the actions of King and his associates, which should demonstrate the comment of King’s opponent.
  • A Time to Break Silence: Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr., who fought against racial inequality in America, considered social activity the only legal opportunity to counteract cynicism, indifference, and despair.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.: Ideas That Changed the World This cause and effect essay examines the sources of Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspiration and how his actions and activities resulted in a new society.
  • Civil Disobedience: Socrates vs. Martin Luther King The idea of civil disobedience and its credibility has been considered by philosophers, politicians, and activists since the formation of governmental systems.
  • Martin Luther King Jr: Conviction of Self-Respect King’s experience and beliefs inspire one to focus on self-respect. His conviction that all people have equal rights motivated him to promote equality.
  • The Speech “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King This essay focuses on how King used literary devices such as rhetoric, pathos, ethos, logos, personification, and hyperbole to achieve his purpose of the speech “I Have a Dream”.
  • Martin Luther King’s Dream Came True Martin Luther King’s dream has come true, as today all people became equal in their social, political, and cultural rights.
  • Martin Luther King’s Power of Good Communication Skill King’s ability to make complex ideas understandable made it apparent that non-violent strategies were defensible in court according to the U.S. Constitution.
  • Martin Luther King’s and Malcolm X’s Prosecution Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X are well-known leaders of the cultivation and development of the black movement, which was aimed at the recognition of black people as a race.
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement Martin Luther King, Jr. is the most well-known defender of black Americans’ civil rights; the movement he led has contributed significantly to the fight against racial segregation.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Impact on Civil Rights Movement Even though the Civil War of 1861-1865 had ended 90 years earlier, racial equality had never been established in America.
  • The Impact of Martin Luther King’s Speech King’s speech was meant for the black community but also called for like-minded Caucasians to join the fight in ensuring equal treatment for everyone in America despite their skin color.
  • “I Have a Dream” Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King There are numerous historical examples of how words can be a powerful instrument for influential and moral people who want to inform or persuade others.
  • Civil Rights Equality and Equity: Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. The paper analyzes 1960’s epitomize the civil rights struggle in the United States which were headed by two men: Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Luther King’s “Letter From the Birmingham Jail” Dr. King examines the impact of segregation and racism on society as a union, thus making his audience able to see the barriers that stand in the way of the future.
  • The Public Speech “I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King The paper analyzes the public persuasive speech “I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King based on centering audience, arguments, and verbal delivery.
  • Civil Rights Activists Luther King and Malcolm X Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were the most renowned and respected leaders of black activism in the 1960s.
  • “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr.: Methods of Speech Delivery This scientific work aims to study the speech called “I have a dream” by Martin Luther King Jr. This is a public speech by an American activist.
  • Letter From Birmingham Jail: Rhetorical Devices Luther King wrote his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” with the aim to inform the clergy that he had a right to be in Birmingham and that his actions had moral and honorable reasons.
  • Significance of the Speech “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Martin Luther King’s speeches have become key moments in American history. His speech I Have a Dream is a rhetorical masterpiece from which one can learn a lot.
  • Martin Luther King and His “Letter From Birmingham Jail” The paper shows how Martin Luther King effectively combines both moral and logical aspects in his speech. He creates a strong effect on the audience.
  • Education for Truth and Service: Jesus and Martin Luther King Jesus and Martin Luther King insisted on service delivery to the poor, aware of their impending deaths; Jesus was sacrificed, and King was assassinated.
  • Martin Luther King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail” to White Clergy Martin Luther King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail” is the fight for freedom is a fight for the proper treatment of African Americans in society.
  • Martin Luther King Junior’s “Letter From Birmingham City Jail” This paper discusses law and society – the judiciary, law and power – inequality, harm and vulnerability, based on Martin Luther King Junior’s letter.
  • Defense of Civil Rights in “Letter From Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King “Letter from Birmingham jail” by Martin Luther King is a convincing defense of Civil Rights ideas, tactics, and goals for people who have been oppressed for three hundred years.
  • I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King The speech was to give the Black people hope that one day there will be no discrimination, but till then, they will have to fight for their rights.
  • Relevance of “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King The speech “I have a dream” by Martin Luther King narrated with empathy and wisdom America’s long fight for fairness.
  • Martin Luther King Jr’s Letter: The Fight Against Black Oppression Two documents are essential to American history of the fight against black oppression: a letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. and his response.
  • Letter from Birmingham Jail – Summary & Analysis The “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was authored by Martin Luther King. In the article, the clergy term King as a sheer outsider who instigated the demonstrations.
  • Martin Luther King Speech Reflection King as an excellent public speaker was familiar with principles and techniques of winning the support of his listeners. One of such techniques is ethos.
  • Oppositions in Martin Luther King’s Letter To fully describe the difference between the lives of blacks and whites, King contrasts the social and demographic characteristics of their existence.
  • Examining the Ideas of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X Racial segregation, as a systemic effort to make African-Americans subordinate, was one of the critical problems of the US.
  • Martin Luther King and the March on Washington Martin Luther King resorted to religious Christian philosophy and oratorical speech imagery in his political speeches, invariably evoking an active response from his audience.
  • Martin Luther King – Speaker, Activist, Leader Martin Luther King is a social activist who led the movement for Black Americans’ rights and made an enormous contribution to the well-being of minorities.
  • Martin Luther King and His Theology Analysis Martin Luther was born in the age of Renaissance, which was blossoming with its artists and their works and which had a positive impact on the development of his personality.
  • Martin Luther King Civil Rights Movement: Impact on Modern Society The Civil Rights movement has had a significant impact on the history of the USA and played a significant role in forming modern society.
  • Martin Luther King, “Letter From Birmingham Jail” In the late 1950s and the early 1960s, Birmingham, Alabama, was notorious for the harsh segregation policy against black people.
  • Martin Luther King`s Revolution of Values This article explains what King’s beliefs were and explodes if it is possible to get the revolution of values that King sought so earnestly.
  • “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King The book I have a dream: Martin Luther King and the Future of Multicultural America by Echols analyses and evaluates the racial relations in American and a unique vision of America by King.
  • “How It Feels to be Corlored Me” by Zora Neale Hurston and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The essay compares and contrasts “How It Feels to be Colored Me” by Zora Neale Hurston and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was written in 1963 by Martin Luther King. This Letter is addressed to all black people and racial minorities who suffered from racism and discrimination.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “I Have a Dream” is still important more than 40 years later because issues of unjust laws and racial tensions continue to exist.
  • Message in “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King “I Have a Dream” is one of the most famous and frequently cited public speeches of modern times. It was conveyed by a remarkable orator and activist, Martin Luther King.
  • Martin Luther King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” Speech Martin Luther King concludes his speech on a very moving and emotional note, leaving his audience to embrace the gravity of his statement.
  • Civil Rights and Martin Luther King The study highlights certain mechanisms that marginalize some social groups and increase the risk of conflicts in the community. Political activism is essential for promoting the welfare of these marginalized groups.
  • Martin Luther King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” Martin Luther King wrote his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” in 1963 while being imprisoned in the Birmingham jail because he participated in anti-racist demonstrations.
  • Martin Luther King in Civil Rights Movement One should focus on the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King was able to raise people’s awareness about the destructive impacts of racial discrimination.
  • Malcolm X’s and Martin Luther King’s Similarities Despite the fact that Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X had different lives, these two figures had some similarities and differences between them.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s and Malcolm X’s Ideologies Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were the key figures in the African-American movement, and they wanted rights and freedoms of black people to be recognized in the USA.
  • Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr. The paper studies “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr., in which he could develop an effective argument against racism and segregation.
  • Voices of the Black Community: Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Had Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. acted together, they might have changed the situation at its root twice as fast.
  • “I Have A Dream” by Martin Luther King A perfect example of both the results of reading literature, and the power of reading literature is found in Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech now commonly known as “I Have A Dream”.
  • How Violent Was Martin Luther King’s Opinion
  • The Conspiracy Surrounding the Death of Martin Luther King Jr
  • The Sociology Behind Martin Luther King Junior’s Speech
  • The Aspires and Techniques of Malcolm Back Button and Martin Luther King
  • Comparing Barak Obama’s and Martin Luther King’s Persuasive Speeches
  • The Accuracy and Efficiency of Martin Luther King Jr’s Speeches
  • Martin Luther King: A Master of Peaceful Protests and Persuasive Rhetoric
  • The Background and Background of Martin Luther King
  • The Early Life and Times of Martin Luther King Junior
  • The Life, Death, and Legacy of Martin Luther King Junior, an American Baptist Minister and Civil Rights Activist
  • Was Martin Luther King the Greatest Civil Rights Leader of All Time
  • The Non-violent Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King
  • Exploring the Key Message in Martin Luther King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
  • The Civil Rights Movement and Dr. Martin Luther King
  • The Life and Contributions of Martin Luther King to the Civil Rights Movement in America
  • The Trials and Tribulations of Martin Luther King
  • The Popular Actions and Achievements of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Dr. Martin Luther King
  • The Methods and Beliefs of Martin Luther King
  • The Birmingham Bombings: Views of Martin Luther King and Jessie Jackson
  • Does Martin Luther King Junior’s Life Affect His Children’s Lives
  • The Life and Acts of Disobedience Against Inequality and Society’s Convention of Martin Luther King
  • Non-violent Civil Disobedience and the Views of Martin Luther King
  • Satyagraha Letter From Birmingham Jail a Comparison Between Ghandi and Martin Luther King
  • Servant Leadership Style: Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King
  • Racial Segregation and Racial Prejudice by Martin Luther King
  • The Reasons Behind Martin Luther King Significance to the Events and the History of the 20th Century
  • The Campus Side Entrance of Martin Luther King Library
  • The Role and Significance of Martin Luther King in the Black Rights Movement
  • The Littlefield Memorial Fountain and Martin Luther King Sculpture: A Reminder of Our Country’s Battles
  • How Significant Was Martin Luther King’s Contribution to the Civil Rights Movement in the Years 1956-68
  • Unjust and Just Laws by Martin Luther King and Henry Thoreau
  • The Civil Rights Movements and Accomplishments of Martin Luther King
  • Racial Controversy Surrounding the Assassination of Martin Luther King
  • How Far Did Martin Luther King Further the Cause of Civil Rights
  • Exploring Why Martin Luther King Was Both Bitterly Criticized and Deeply
  • Martin Luther King and the African American Segregation
  • Why Black Activists Rejected Martin Luther King and Followed Malcolm X
  • What Made Martin Luther King’s Speech  “I Have a Dream” Effective
  • Three Ways Of Meeting Oppression Martin Luther King
  • Role and Impact of Martin Luther King Junior in the Civil Rights Movement
  • Has Martin Luther King’s Dream of Breaking Color Barriers Been Realized?
  • How Did Martin Luther King Affect the Civil Rights Movement?
  • How Does Martin Luther King Create Effect in His Speeches?
  • How Important Was Martin Luther King to the Civil Rights Movement?
  • How Martin Luther King Led a Successful Civil Rights Movement?
  • How Martin Luther King Shaped the American Life in the Mid ’50s to the Late ’60s?
  • How Much Impact Did Martin Luther King Have In Changing Civil Rights for Black Americans?
  • How the Political Speech Exerts Power on Example of Martin Luther King?
  • What Type of Man Martin Luther King Was and if He Truly Is the Man Media Makes Him?
  • What Are Martin Luther King’s Contributions to Race Relations in the United States?
  • Was Martin Luther King the Greatest Civil Rights Leader of All Time?
  • What Made Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Effective?
  • What Makes Martin Luther King, Jr. an Influential Hero?
  • What Role Did Martin Luther King Play in Black and White Relations?
  • Whose Philosophy Made the Most Sense for America in the 1960s: Malcolm X or Martin Luther King Jr.?
  • Why Black Activists Rejected Martin Luther King and Followed Malcolm X?
  • Why Martin Luther King Jr.’s Ideas Are More Reasonable Then Niccolo Machiavelli’s?
  • Why Some Black Activists Rejected the Approach of Martin Luther King to Civil Rights?
  • What Are the Essentials of Speeches of Martin Luther King?
  • What Is the Effective Leadership Style of Martin Luther King Jr.?
  • What Are the Different Tactics Used by Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr?
  • What Are the Factual and Reasoned Approaches of Martin Luther King?
  • What Is the Politics of Commemorating Martin Luther King Within the African American Community?
  • What Are the Far Reaching Influences of Martin Luther King Jr?
  • How Prophecy and Apocalypse Are Imaged in the Rhetoric of Martin Luther King?
  • The Intersection of Religion and Activism: Martin Luther King Jr’s Christian Ethics
  • The Birmingham Campaign: Assessing the Strategies and Achievements of King’s Protests
  • The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr: A Comprehensive Biography
  • The Relevance of Martin Luther King Jr’s Ideas in Today’s Social and Political Landscape
  • Role of Women in the Civil Rights Movement: Recognizing the Work of Coretta Scott King and Others
  • Martin Luther King Jr’s Philosophy of Nonviolence and its Application in the Civil Rights Struggle
  • The Influence of Mahatma Gandhi on Martin Luther King Jr’s Philosophy of Nonviolence
  • Martin Luther King Jr’s Vision for a Beloved Community: Progress and Challenges
  • Philosophy of Nonviolence: Analyzing Martin Luther King Jr’s Commitment to Peaceful Protest
  • Martin Luther King Jr’s Critique of Militarism and Advocacy for Peace
  • Racial Segregation and Desegregation: Martin Luther King Jr’s Campaigns for Integration

Cite this post

  • Chicago (N-B)
  • Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2021, September 9). 143 Martin Luther King Jr Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/martin-luther-king-essay-topics/

"143 Martin Luther King Jr Essay Topics." StudyCorgi , 9 Sept. 2021, studycorgi.com/ideas/martin-luther-king-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . (2021) '143 Martin Luther King Jr Essay Topics'. 9 September.

1. StudyCorgi . "143 Martin Luther King Jr Essay Topics." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/martin-luther-king-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "143 Martin Luther King Jr Essay Topics." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/martin-luther-king-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "143 Martin Luther King Jr Essay Topics." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/martin-luther-king-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Martin Luther King were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on December 27, 2023 .

martin luther king jr essay topics

  • History Classics
  • Your Profile
  • Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
  • Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
  • Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)
  • Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)
  • Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)
  • This Day In History
  • History Podcasts
  • History Vault

Martin Luther King Jr.

By: History.com Editors

Updated: January 25, 2024 | Original: November 9, 2009

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking before crowd of 25,000 civil rights marchers in front of the Montgomery, Alabama state capital building on March 25, 1965.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a social activist and Baptist minister who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. King sought equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and all victims of injustice through peaceful protest. He was the driving force behind watershed events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington , which helped bring about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act . King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and is remembered each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day , a U.S. federal holiday since 1986.

When Was Martin Luther King Born?

Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia , the second child of Martin Luther King Sr., a pastor, and Alberta Williams King, a former schoolteacher.

Along with his older sister Christine and younger brother Alfred Daniel Williams, he grew up in the city’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood, then home to some of the most prominent and prosperous African Americans in the country.

Did you know? The final section of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech is believed to have been largely improvised.

A gifted student, King attended segregated public schools and at the age of 15 was admitted to Morehouse College , the alma mater of both his father and maternal grandfather, where he studied medicine and law.

Although he had not intended to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining the ministry, he changed his mind under the mentorship of Morehouse’s president, Dr. Benjamin Mays, an influential theologian and outspoken advocate for racial equality. After graduating in 1948, King entered Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree, won a prestigious fellowship and was elected president of his predominantly white senior class.

King then enrolled in a graduate program at Boston University, completing his coursework in 1953 and earning a doctorate in systematic theology two years later. While in Boston he met Coretta Scott, a young singer from Alabama who was studying at the New England Conservatory of Music . The couple wed in 1953 and settled in Montgomery, Alabama, where King became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church .

The Kings had four children: Yolanda Denise King, Martin Luther King III, Dexter Scott King and Bernice Albertine King.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

The King family had been living in Montgomery for less than a year when the highly segregated city became the epicenter of the burgeoning struggle for civil rights in America, galvanized by the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954.

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks , secretary of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ( NAACP ), refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery bus and was arrested. Activists coordinated a bus boycott that would continue for 381 days. The Montgomery Bus Boycott placed a severe economic strain on the public transit system and downtown business owners. They chose Martin Luther King Jr. as the protest’s leader and official spokesman.

By the time the Supreme Court ruled segregated seating on public buses unconstitutional in November 1956, King—heavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and the activist Bayard Rustin —had entered the national spotlight as an inspirational proponent of organized, nonviolent resistance.

King had also become a target for white supremacists, who firebombed his family home that January.

On September 20, 1958, Izola Ware Curry walked into a Harlem department store where King was signing books and asked, “Are you Martin Luther King?” When he replied “yes,” she stabbed him in the chest with a knife. King survived, and the attempted assassination only reinforced his dedication to nonviolence: “The experience of these last few days has deepened my faith in the relevance of the spirit of nonviolence if necessary social change is peacefully to take place.”

Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Emboldened by the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, in 1957 he and other civil rights activists—most of them fellow ministers—founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), a group committed to achieving full equality for African Americans through nonviolent protest.

The SCLC motto was “Not one hair of one head of one person should be harmed.” King would remain at the helm of this influential organization until his death.

In his role as SCLC president, Martin Luther King Jr. traveled across the country and around the world, giving lectures on nonviolent protest and civil rights as well as meeting with religious figures, activists and political leaders.

During a month-long trip to India in 1959, he had the opportunity to meet family members and followers of Gandhi, the man he described in his autobiography as “the guiding light of our technique of nonviolent social change.” King also authored several books and articles during this time.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

In 1960 King and his family moved to Atlanta, his native city, where he joined his father as co-pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church . This new position did not stop King and his SCLC colleagues from becoming key players in many of the most significant civil rights battles of the 1960s.

Their philosophy of nonviolence was put to a particularly severe test during the Birmingham campaign of 1963, in which activists used a boycott, sit-ins and marches to protest segregation, unfair hiring practices and other injustices in one of America’s most racially divided cities.

Arrested for his involvement on April 12, King penned the civil rights manifesto known as the “ Letter from Birmingham Jail ,” an eloquent defense of civil disobedience addressed to a group of white clergymen who had criticized his tactics.

March on Washington

Later that year, Martin Luther King Jr. worked with a number of civil rights and religious groups to organize the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a peaceful political rally designed to shed light on the injustices Black Americans continued to face across the country.

Held on August 28 and attended by some 200,000 to 300,000 participants, the event is widely regarded as a watershed moment in the history of the American civil rights movement and a factor in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 .

"I Have a Dream" Speech

The March on Washington culminated in King’s most famous address, known as the “I Have a Dream” speech, a spirited call for peace and equality that many consider a masterpiece of rhetoric.

Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial —a monument to the president who a century earlier had brought down the institution of slavery in the United States—he shared his vision of a future in which “this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'”

The speech and march cemented King’s reputation at home and abroad; later that year he was named “Man of the Year” by TIME magazine and in 1964 became, at the time, the youngest person ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize .

In the spring of 1965, King’s elevated profile drew international attention to the violence that erupted between white segregationists and peaceful demonstrators in Selma, Alabama, where the SCLC and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) had organized a voter registration campaign.

Captured on television, the brutal scene outraged many Americans and inspired supporters from across the country to gather in Alabama and take part in the Selma to Montgomery march led by King and supported by President Lyndon B. Johnson , who sent in federal troops to keep the peace.

That August, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act , which guaranteed the right to vote—first awarded by the 15th Amendment—to all African Americans.

Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

The events in Selma deepened a growing rift between Martin Luther King Jr. and young radicals who repudiated his nonviolent methods and commitment to working within the established political framework.

As more militant Black leaders such as Stokely Carmichael rose to prominence, King broadened the scope of his activism to address issues such as the Vietnam War and poverty among Americans of all races. In 1967, King and the SCLC embarked on an ambitious program known as the Poor People’s Campaign, which was to include a massive march on the capital.

On the evening of April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King was assassinated . He was fatally shot while standing on the balcony of a motel in Memphis, where King had traveled to support a sanitation workers’ strike. In the wake of his death, a wave of riots swept major cities across the country, while President Johnson declared a national day of mourning.

James Earl Ray , an escaped convict and known racist, pleaded guilty to the murder and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. He later recanted his confession and gained some unlikely advocates, including members of the King family, before his death in 1998.

After years of campaigning by activists, members of Congress and Coretta Scott King, among others, in 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a U.S. federal holiday in honor of King.

Observed on the third Monday of January, Martin Luther King Day was first celebrated in 1986.

Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes

While his “I Have a Dream” speech is the most well-known piece of his writing, Martin Luther King Jr. was the author of multiple books, include “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story,” “Why We Can’t Wait,” “Strength to Love,” “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” and the posthumously published “Trumpet of Conscience” with a foreword by Coretta Scott King. Here are some of the most famous Martin Luther King Jr. quotes:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice."

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant."

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“Be a bush if you can't be a tree. If you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be a sun, be a star. For it isn't by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?’”

Photo Galleries

Martin Luther King During the March on Washington

HISTORY Vault: Voices of Civil Rights

A look at one of the defining social movements in U.S. history, told through the personal stories of men, women and children who lived through it.

martin luther king jr essay topics

Sign up for Inside History

Get HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.

More details : Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact Us

"The Purpose of Education"

Author:  King, Martin Luther, Jr. (Morehouse College)

Date:  January 1, 1947 to February 28, 1947

Location:  Atlanta, Ga.

Genre:  Published Article

Topic:  Martin Luther King, Jr. - Political and Social Views

Writing in the campus newspaper, the  Maroon Tiger , King argues that education has both a utilitarian and a moral function. 1  Citing the example of Georgia’s former governor Eugene Talmadge, he asserts that reasoning ability is not enough. He insists that character and moral development are necessary to give the critical intellect humane purposes. King, Sr., later recalled that his son told him, “Talmadge has a Phi Beta Kappa key, can you believe that? What did he use all that precious knowledge for? To accomplish what?” 2

As I engage in the so-called “bull sessions” around and about the school, I too often find that most college men have a misconception of the purpose of education. Most of the “brethren” think that education should equip them with the proper instruments of exploitation so that they can forever trample over the masses. Still others think that education should furnish them with noble ends rather than means to an end.

It seems to me that education has a two-fold function to perform in the life of man and in society: the one is utility and the other is culture. Education must enable a man to become more efficient, to achieve with increasing facility the ligitimate goals of his life.

Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking. To think incisively and to think for one’s self is very difficult. We are prone to let our mental life become invaded by legions of half truths, prejudices, and propaganda. At this point, I often wonder whether or not education is fulfilling its purpose. A great majority of the so-called educated people do not think logically and scientifically. Even the press, the classroom, the platform, and the pulpit in many instances do not give us objective and unbiased truths. To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.

The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals.

The late Eugene Talmadge, in my opinion, possessed one of the better minds of Georgia, or even America. Moreover, he wore the Phi Beta Kappa key. By all measuring rods, Mr. Talmadge could think critically and intensively; yet he contends that I am an inferior being. Are those the types of men we call educated?

We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate. The broad education will, therefore, transmit to one not only the accumulated knowledge of the race but also the accumulated experience of social living.

If we are not careful, our colleges will produce a group of close-minded, unscientific, illogical propagandists, consumed with immoral acts. Be careful, “brethren!” Be careful, teachers!

1.  In 1925, the  Maroon Tiger  succeeded the  Athenaeum  as the campus literary journal at Morehouse. In the first semester of the 1947–1948 academic year, it won a First Class Honor Rating from the Associated Collegiate Press at the University of Minnesota. The faculty adviser to the  Maroon Tiger  was King’s English professor, Gladstone Lewis Chandler. King’s “The Purpose of Education” was published with a companion piece, “English Majors All?” by a fellow student, William G. Pickens. Among the many prominent black academicians and journalists who served an apprenticeship on the  Maroon Tiger  staff were Lerone Bennett, Jr., editor of  Ebony ; Brailsford R. Brazeal, dean of Morehouse College; S. W. Garlington, city editor of New York’s  Amsterdam News ; Hugh Gloster, president of Morehouse College; Emory O. Jackson, editor of the  Birmingham World ; Robert E. Johnson, editor of  Jet ; King D. Reddick of the  New York Age ; Ira De A. Reid, chair of the Sociology Department at Atlanta University; and C. A. Scott, editor and general manager of the  Atlanta Daily World . See  The Morehouse Alumnus , July 1948, pp. 15–16; and Edward A. Jones,  A Candle in the Dark: A History of Morehouse College  (Valley Forge, Pa.: Judson Press, 1967), pp. 174, 260, 289–292.

2.  Martin Luther King, Sr., with Clayton Riley,  Daddy King: An Autobiography  (New York: William Morrow, 1980), p. 143. In an unpublished autobiographical statement, King, Sr., remembered a meeting between Governor Eugene Talmadge and a committee of blacks concerning the imposition of the death penalty on a young black man for making improper remarks to a white woman. King, Sr., reported that Talmadge “sent us away humiliated, frustrated, insulted, and without hope of redress” (“The Autobiography of Daddy King as Told to Edward A. Jones” [n.d.], p. 40; copy in CKFC). Six months before the publication of King’s article, Georgia’s race-baiting former governor Eugene Talmadge had declared in the midst of his campaign for a new term as governor that “the only issue in this race is White Supremacy.” On 12 November, the black General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia designated his inauguration date, 9 January 1947, as a day of prayer. Talmadge died three weeks before his inauguration. See William Anderson,  The Wild Man from Sugar Creek: The Political Career of Eugene Talmadge  (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1975), pp. 226–237; Joseph L. Bernd, “White Supremacy and the Disfranchisement of Blacks in Georgia, 1946,”  Georgia Historical Quarterly  66 (Winter 1982): 492–501; Clarence M. Wagner,  Profiles of Black Georgia Baptists  (Atlanta: Bennett Brothers, 1980), p. 104; and Benjamin E. Mays,  Born to Rebel: An Autobiography  (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1987), pp. 221–223.

Source:   Maroon Tiger  (January-February 1947): 10.  

Š  Copyright Information

I Have A Dream Speech

Guide cover image

28 pages • 56 minutes read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Analysis

Key Figures

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

What are the facets of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream? Are these realistic or idealistic? Can they be accomplished?

Dr. King advocated for nonviolent responses to police brutality. In the wake of the killing of George Floyd, Michael Brown, and other acts of police brutality, what might Dr. King advise? What would he say in a speech on the subject?

In what ways is “I Have a Dream” a speech for a specific time and place, and in what ways is it universal? Does reading it more than a half century later change its meaning and if so, how?

blurred text

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now

Related Titles

By Martin Luther King Jr.

Guide cover placeholder

A Testament of Hope

Martin Luther King Jr.

I've Been to the Mountaintop

Guide cover image

Letter From Birmingham Jail

Guide cover placeholder

Stride Toward Freedom

Guide cover image

Where Do We Go From Here

Guide cover image

Why We Can't Wait

Featured Collections

Civil Rights & Jim Crow

View Collection

Essays & Speeches

SuperSummary New Releases

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Martin Luther King — Martin Luther King Jr.: A Legacy of Civil Rights and Social Justice

test_template

Martin Luther King Jr.: a Legacy of Civil Rights and Social Justice

  • Categories: Civil Rights Movement Martin Luther King

About this sample

close

Words: 944 |

Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 944 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, the life and leadership of martin luther king jr., king's impact on civil rights, king's influence on contemporary issues, continuing inspiration and positive change.

Image of Dr. Oliver Johnson

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

author

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

  • Expert in: History Social Issues

writer

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 739 words

4 pages / 1959 words

2 pages / 687 words

1 pages / 617 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, remains etched in the annals of American history. With his memorable words that proclaimed his dream for [...]

In conclusion, Martin Luther King Jr. was a masterful orator who skillfully used pathos to convey his message of justice, equality, and unity. By employing vivid imagery, personal stories, repetition, and passion in his [...]

The philosophies of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X have been pivotal in shaping the civil rights movement in the United States. Both leaders advocated for the rights and equality of African Americans, but their approaches were [...]

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is one of the most iconic and powerful orations in American history. Delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, King's speech called for [...]

Have you ever wondered why some people choose to disobey societal norms and authority figures? In his thought-provoking essay "Disobedience," Erich Fromm delves into the complexities of this behavior, exploring the psychological [...]

In his renowned "Letter from Birmingham Jail" penned in 1963, the author, Martin Luther King Jr., employs extended allusions to various philosophers, including Aquinas and Socrates, which might imply an affinity with them. [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

martin luther king jr essay topics

The Marginalian

An Experiment in Love: Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Six Pillars of Nonviolent Resistance and the Ancient Greek Notion of ‘Agape’

By maria popova.

martin luther king jr essay topics

Nowhere does he transmute spiritual ideas from various traditions into secular principles more masterfully than in his extraordinary 1958 essay “An Experiment in Love,” in which he examines the six essential principles of his philosophy of nonviolence, debunks popular misconceptions about it, and considers how these basic tenets can be used in guiding any successful movement of nonviolent resistance. Penned five years before his famous Letter from Birmingham City Jail and exactly a decade before his assassination, the essay was eventually included in the indispensable A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. ( public library ) — required reading for every human being with a clicking mind and a ticking heart.

martin luther king jr essay topics

In the first of the six basic philosophies, Dr. King addresses the tendency to mistake nonviolence for passivity, pointing out that it is a form not of cowardice but of courage:

It must be emphasized that nonviolent resistance is not a method for cowards; it does resist. If one uses this method because he is afraid or merely because he lacks the instruments of violence, he is not truly nonviolent. This is why Gandhi often said that if cowardice is the only alternative to violence, it is better to fight… The way of nonviolent resistance … is ultimately the way of the strong man. It is not a method of stagnant passivity… For while the nonviolent resister is passive in the sense that he is not physically aggressive toward his opponent, his mind and his emotions are always active, constantly seeking to persuade his opponent that he is wrong. The method is passive physically but strongly active spiritually. It is not passive non-resistance to evil, it is active nonviolent resistance to evil.

He turns to the second tenet of nonviolence:

Nonviolence … does not seek to defeat or humiliate the opponent, but to win his friendship and understanding. The nonviolent resister must often express his protest through noncooperation or boycotts, but he realizes that these are not ends themselves; they are merely means to awaken a sense of moral shame in the opponent. The end is redemption and reconciliation. The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness.

martin luther king jr essay topics

In considering the third characteristic of nonviolence, Dr. King appeals to the conscientious recognition that those who perpetrate violence are often victims themselves:

The attack is directed against forces of evil rather than against persons who happen to be doing the evil. It is the evil that the nonviolent resister seeks to defeat, not the persons victimized by the evil. If he is opposing racial injustice, the nonviolent resister has the vision to see that the basic tension is not between the races… The tension is, at bottom, between justice and injustice, between the forces of light and the forces of darkness…. We are out to defeat injustice and not white persons who may be unjust.

Out of this recognition flows the fourth tenet:

Nonviolent resistance [requires] a willingness to accept suffering without retaliation, to accept blows from the opponent without striking back… The nonviolent resister is willing to accept violence if necessary, but never to inflict it. He does not seek to dodge jail. If going to jail is necessary, he enters it “as a bridegroom enters the bride’s chamber.”

That, in fact, is precisely how Dr. King himself entered jail five years later . To those skeptical of the value of turning the other cheek, he offers:

Unearned suffering is redemptive. Suffering, the nonviolent resister realizes, has tremendous educational and transforming possibilities.

The fifth basic philosophy turns the fourth inward and arrives at the most central point of the essay — the noblest use of what we call “love”:

Nonviolent resistance … avoids not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. The nonviolent resister not only refuses to shoot his opponent but he also refuses to hate him. At the center of nonviolence stands the principle of love. The nonviolent resister would contend that in the struggle for human dignity, the oppressed people of the world must not succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter or indulging in hate campaigns. To retaliate in kind would do nothing but intensify the existence of hate in the universe. Along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate. This can only be done by projecting the ethic of love to the center of our lives.

martin luther king jr essay topics

Here, Dr. King turns to Ancient Greek philosophy, pointing out that the love he speaks of is not the sentimental or affectionate kind — “it would be nonsense to urge men to love their oppressors in an affectionate sense,” he readily acknowledges — but love in the sense of understanding and redemptive goodwill. The Greeks called this agape — a love distinctly different from the eros , reserved for our lovers, or philia , with which we love our friends and family. Dr. King explains:

Agape means understanding, redeeming good will for all men. It is an overflowing love which is purely spontaneous, unmotivated, groundless, and creative. It is not set in motion by any quality or function of its object… Agape is disinterested love. It is a love in which the individual seeks not his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Agape does not begin by discriminating between worthy and unworthy people, or any qualities people possess. It begins by loving others for their sakes . It is an entirely “neighbor-regarding concern for others,” which discovers the neighbor in every man it meets. Therefore, agape makes no distinction between friends and enemy; it is directed toward both. If one loves an individual merely on account of his friendliness, he loves him for the sake of the benefits to be gained from the friendship, rather than for the friend’s own sake. Consequently, the best way to assure oneself that love is disinterested is to have love for the enemy-neighbor from whom you can expect no good in return, but only hostility and persecution.

This notion is nearly identical to one of Buddhism’s four brahmaviharas , or divine attitudes — the concept of Metta , often translated as lovingkindness or benevolence. The parallel speaks not only to Dr. King’s extraordinarily diverse intellectual toolkit of influences and inspirations — a high form of combinatorial creativity necessary for any meaningful contribution to humanity’s common record — but also to the core commonalities between the world’s major spiritual and philosophical traditions.

In a sentiment that Margaret Mead and James Baldwin would echo twelve years later in their spectacular conversation on race — “In any oppressive situation both groups suffer, the oppressors and the oppressed,” Mead observed, asserting that the oppressors suffer morally with the recognition of what they’re committing, which Baldwin noted is “a worse kind of suffering” — Dr. King adds:

Another basic point about agape is that it springs from the need of the other person — his need for belonging to the best in the human family… Since the white man’s personality is greatly distorted by segregation, and his soul is greatly scarred, he needs the love of the Negro. The Negro must love the white man, because the white man needs his love to remove his tensions, insecurities, and fears.

martin luther king jr essay topics

At the heart of agape , he argues, is the notion of forgiveness — something Mead and Baldwin also explored with great intellectual elegance . Dr. King writes:

Agape is not a weak, passive love. It is love in action… Agape is a willingness to go to any length to restore community… It is a willingness to forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven to restore community…. If I respond to hate with a reciprocal hate I do nothing but intensify the cleavage in broken community. I can only close the gap in broken community by meeting hate with love.

With this, he turns to the sixth and final principle of nonviolence as a force of justice, undergirded by the nonreligious form of spirituality that Dani Shapiro elegantly termed “an animating presence” and Alan Lightman described as the transcendence of “this strange and shimmering world.” Dr. King writes:

Nonviolent resistance … is based on the conviction that the universe is on the side of justice. Consequently, the believer in nonviolence has deep faith in the future. This faith is another reason why the nonviolent resister can accept suffering without retaliation. For he knows that in his struggle for justice he has cosmic companionship. It is true that there are devout believers in nonviolence who find it difficult to believe in a personal God. But even these persons believe in the existence of some creative force that works for universal wholeness. Whether we call it an unconscious process, an impersonal Brahman, or a Personal Being of matchless power of infinite love, there is a creative force in this universe that works to bring the disconnected aspects of reality into a harmonious whole.

A Testament of Hope is an absolutely essential read in its totality. Complement it with Dr. King on the two types of law , Albert Einstein’s little-known correspondence with W.E.B. Du Bois on racial justice , and Tolstoy and Gandhi’s equally forgotten but immensely timely correspondence on why we hurt each other .

— Published July 1, 2015 — https://www.themarginalian.org/2015/07/01/martin-luther-king-jr-an-experiment-in-love/ —

BP

www.themarginalian.org

BP

PRINT ARTICLE

Email article, filed under, activism culture history love martin luther king philosophy politics psychology, view full site.

The Marginalian participates in the Bookshop.org and Amazon.com affiliate programs, designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by linking to books. In more human terms, this means that whenever you buy a book from a link here, I receive a small percentage of its price, which goes straight back into my own colossal biblioexpenses. Privacy policy . (TLDR: You're safe — there are no nefarious "third parties" lurking on my watch or shedding crumbs of the "cookies" the rest of the internet uses.)

  • Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • King's Writings
  • Research Databases

Primary Sources

  • Civil Rights Movement Guide This link opens in a new window
  • African American Studies Guide This link opens in a new window

Cover Art

  • Online King Records Access (Stanford)
  • Smithsonian - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • FBI Records: The Vault - Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • JFK Presidential Library - Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Letter From a Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963
  • "I Have a Dream," August 28, 1963
  • Official Program for the March on Washington, August 28, 1963
  • "Who Speaks for the Negro?," March 18, 1964
  • "Beyond Vietnam," April 4, 1967
  • “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” April 3, 1968
  • Black Freedom Struggle Primary Source Collection (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window In this website, the editors present primary source documents from several of the time periods in American History when the river of the Black Freedom Struggle ran more powerfully, while not losing sight of the fierce, often violent opposition that Black people have faced on the road to freedom.

Cover Art

  • African American Newspapers (NewsBank) This link opens in a new window Over 270 African American newspapers published between 1827 and 1998.
  • New York Times Historical, 1851-2019 (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window This historical newspaper provides genealogists, researchers and scholars with online, easily-searchable first-hand accounts and unparalleled coverage of the politics, society and events of the time.
  • << Previous: Research Databases
  • Next: Multimedia >>
  • Last Updated: May 10, 2024 3:35 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.uwf.edu/mlk

Martin Luther King Jr.: a Legacy of Achievements

This essay about Martin Luther King Jr.’s pivotal role in the American civil rights movement. It highlights his leadership in significant events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the founding of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the historic March on Washington. King’s advocacy led to key legislative victories, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His legacy extends globally, inspiring movements for social justice and nonviolent resistance. Despite facing opposition and personal sacrifices, King’s unwavering commitment to equality continues to shape the fight against injustice today.

How it works

Martin Luther King Jr., a luminary whose utterances and endeavors echo across epochs, endures as one of the most consequential figures of the American civil rights crusade. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, King etched an enduring impression on American society through his relentless activism, commanding rhetoric, and steadfast dedication to justice. His achievements facilitated the emergence of a fresh paradigm for the United States and the world, anchored in parity and nonviolent opposition.

One of King’s nascent triumphs was his leadership role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-1956.

Provoked by the apprehension of Rosa Parks for declining to relinquish her bus seat to a Caucasian, the boycott signified a pivotal juncture in the civil rights tussle. King, then a youthful clergyman in Montgomery, Alabama, was tasked with leading the Montgomery Improvement Association and orchestrating the boycott. For over a year, the African American community in Montgomery eschewed public bus transportation, evincing remarkable resilience and solidarity. Their exertions culminated in a seminal Supreme Court decree that invalidated segregation on public buses, thereby solidifying King’s reputation as a dynamic leader.

King proceeded to co-establish the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, an entity dedicated to harnessing the potency of nonviolent dissent to effect societal metamorphosis. The SCLC emerged as a potent force in the civil rights campaign, amplifying King’s message of peaceful resistance and broadening the struggle for racial equality across the American South. Under King’s tutelage, the SCLC orchestrated marches, voter registration initiatives, and other manifestations of nonviolent protest, advocating for integration and rectitude.

One of King’s most conspicuous accomplishments was his role in orchestrating the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Over 250,000 individuals congregated at the Lincoln Memorial to advocate for civil and economic rights for African Americans. It was during this march that King delivered his seminal “I Have a Dream” address, expounding a compelling vision of a future where individuals would “not be evaluated by the color of their skin but by the essence of their character.” This address galvanized support for the civil rights movement and left an enduring impression on the American psyche.

King’s advocacy also played a pivotal role in the enactment of seminal civil rights legislation. His leadership and activism facilitated the momentum requisite for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which proscribed discrimination predicated on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Voting Rights Act of 1965, another epochal triumph, ensued shortly thereafter and sought to eradicate racial bias in voting, notably in the South.

Beyond these legal victories, King championed economic equity and dissented against the Vietnam War. He discerned the interwoven nature of racial and economic disparities and inaugurated the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968 to advocate for economic entitlements for all marginalized factions. This campaign, which aspired to establish a multiracial alliance of disadvantaged individuals, underscored the imperative to redress systemic impoverishment through governmental intervention.

King’s vision transcended geographical confines. In 1964, he attained the distinction of being the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his steadfast commitment to nonviolent resistance. His doctrine of nonviolent protest, influenced by the precepts of Mahatma Gandhi, emerged as a potent archetype for social movements globally. His legacy inspired activists combating apartheid in South Africa, advocating for civil rights in Northern Ireland, and beyond.

Despite encountering vehement opposition and personal sacrifices, King remained unwavering in his quest for equity and parity until his assassination on April 4, 1968. He bequeathed a legacy of achievements that persistently mold the contemporary struggle for civil rights. His endeavors propelled the cause of equity for African Americans and underscored the significance of nonviolent opposition in contesting injustice. King’s accomplishments endure as a testimonial to the transformative potency of fortitude and benevolence, reminding us that substantive metamorphosis can emanate from resolute conviction in a brighter world.

owl

Cite this page

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Legacy of Achievements. (2024, May 12). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/martin-luther-king-jr-a-legacy-of-achievements/

"Martin Luther King Jr.: A Legacy of Achievements." PapersOwl.com , 12 May 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/martin-luther-king-jr-a-legacy-of-achievements/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Martin Luther King Jr.: A Legacy of Achievements . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/martin-luther-king-jr-a-legacy-of-achievements/ [Accessed: 18 May. 2024]

"Martin Luther King Jr.: A Legacy of Achievements." PapersOwl.com, May 12, 2024. Accessed May 18, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/martin-luther-king-jr-a-legacy-of-achievements/

"Martin Luther King Jr.: A Legacy of Achievements," PapersOwl.com , 12-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/martin-luther-king-jr-a-legacy-of-achievements/. [Accessed: 18-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Martin Luther King Jr.: A Legacy of Achievements . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/martin-luther-king-jr-a-legacy-of-achievements/ [Accessed: 18-May-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

owl

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

martin luther king jr essay topics

Dreams and Declarations: Five Powerful Quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

F rom the middle of the 1950s until his passing in 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist clergyman and civil rights activist, played a significant role in the American civil rights movement. Atlanta, Georgia, was the place of his birth on January 15, 1929. Because of his Christian views, he is well-recognized for using nonviolent civil disobedience to advance civil rights. His lectures and sermons are still studied and appreciated today since he is considered one of America's best orators.

One of King's most famous speeches, the "I Have a Dream" speech, was delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In the speech, he called for an end to racism in the United States and for civil and economic rights for African Americans . The speech was a defining moment of the civil rights movement and is considered to be one of the greatest speeches in American history.

After King's assassination in 1968, a campaign was launched to make his birthday, January 15, a national holiday . Civil rights organizations, labor unions, and religious groups led the campaign. However, the campaign faced significant opposition, with many lawmakers arguing that King's holiday would be too costly and that he did not deserve the honor. Despite this opposition, the campaign continued, and on November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday, which was first observed on January 20, 1986.

The holiday is now celebrated across the United States and is seen as a day to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for civil rights. Many people take the day to reflect on his teachings and to volunteer in their communities in honor of his service and dedication to social justice. It is a day to remember the sacrifices he made for the rights and freedom of African Americans and to honor his legacy by continuing the fight for equality and civil rights for all people.

Martin Luther King Jr. was an incredible leader and an influential figure in American history. His sermons and speeches inspire people to this day, and his birthday, January 15, has become a national holiday to commemorate his life and legacy. His teachings and nonviolent approach to civil rights have impacted American society and the world. His birthday serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality and the importance of continuing to work toward a just and equitable society. Below are five impactful quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.

  • "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people."
  • "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
  • "A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death."
  • "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
  • "I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live."

More from My Money Chronicles

Little Known Black History Facts

Greek Picnics Across America

5 Impactful Quotes From Martin Luther King Jr

Importance of Body Language While Delivering a Speech: Analyzing Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr and Alicia Garza’s Speech

Summary of the two speeches.

The first video, “I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King. Jr delves into the demonstration for the freedom of Negros in the US. It talks about the oppression and segregation of the Negros in the modern-day society. Luther emphasizes that the Negros are still crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination and poverty. This systemic racism and oppression is rooted in the culture and structures of the US systems (Mulligan, 2021). He dreams that one day, the US will live the true meaning of its creed and recognize that all men are created equally. Alicia Garza, an organizer, writer, freedom fighter, and co-founder of black lives matter, sheds light on Black Lives Matter, a robust network of black people who have come together to eradicate anti-black racism and state sanctions violence. In her speech, she highlights that the lives of black people have not mattered for several years, witnessed by the sheer number of black convicts. This video asserts that the National Domestic Alliance is integral to the movement. This organization is linked to domestic work, which is rooted and shaped by the legacy of slavery.

Comparison of Leadership, Charisma, Power, and Passion

Similarities.

Dr. King and Alicia Garza are charismatic leaders who utilize their speeches to motivate and mobilize their audience. They elicit strong emotional responses from their listeners using intimate tales and striking images. Dr. King and Garza are passionate speakers. Their passion is seen through the intensity with which they discuss their topics.

Differences

Dr.King employs a poetic and metaphorical style of speech, referencing the bible and American Patriots symbols to deliver his message. On the other hand, Garza’s speech reflects the urgency of the Black Lives Matter movement and is more direct and combative. Additionally, the differences in the context and time of their speeches influence the content and focus of their speeches.

Impact of Location on Messaging

The location of Dr. King’s speech at the Lincoln Memorial symbolizes American freedom and equality. This location adds power to his message. The church environment also provides spiritual depth to his speech. Additionally, the church environment supports his purpose of raising awareness about the problems in American society regarding civil rights and pointing out the reasons why racism and discrimination must be eradicated. The church offers a perfect vicinity for spreading the message against racism and mobilizing Christians to advocate for equality (Denney, 2023). Alicia Garza’s message instantaneously reaches a global audience because it is delivered through contemporary venues, such as social media. Social media reaches a broader audience, including the community, and allows for connection with the audience and building relationships. These connections are crucial in spreading the message against the murder of black people such as Jordan Davis and Johnatan Sandals. Additionally, social media is an excellent tool for mobilizing US citizens against the criminalization of Black Americans and the exploitation of black domestic workers. This use of social media amplifies the Black Lives Matter message.

Audience Comparison

It is feasible to say that the speeches’ intended audiences overlap because both presentations illustrate injustice and unfairness about how society views Black people. However, Alicia Garcia’s speech focuses primarily on th

/]=o\statistical figures. Therefore, her address is narrowly focused. Martin Luther King’s speech aims to portray African Americans’ full range of obstacles and struggles in the United States without focusing on any one movement or group. These speeches inspired several US elections, including the 2018 that emphasized equality and the end of Negro oppression (Greenberg, 2018). Both seminars paint a comprehensive picture of the disparity between whites and blacks in American culture, so the two speeches are intended for similar audiences. However, the remarks from these speeches are directed at both Black Americans and white people, who need to witness and comprehend the feelings that Black people experience when they encounter racism and unfair treatment.

Greenberg, E. S &amp; Page, B. I. (2018). The Struggle for Democracy, 2018 Elections and Updates Edition. (12th ed.). Pearson.

Denney, M. G. (2023).  The Fragmented Gateway to Collective Repentance: Race, Policing, and the Black Church in America  (Doctoral dissertation, Yale University).

Mulligan, C. J. (2021). Systemic racism can get under our skin and into our genes.  American Journal of Physical Anthro

Cite This Work

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Related Essays

The advantages/disadvantages of the union and confederate during the civil war and how it affected reconstruction after the war., annotated bibliography: how minority groups in america perceive law enforcement, ethical and legal considerations in psychological assessment, how we are priming some kids for college – and others for prison, preventing school shootings: lessons from the past and strategies for the future, sociological imagination essay, popular essay topics.

  • American Dream
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Black Lives Matter
  • Bullying Essay
  • Career Goals Essay
  • Causes of the Civil War
  • Child Abusing
  • Civil Rights Movement
  • Community Service
  • Cultural Identity
  • Cyber Bullying
  • Death Penalty
  • Depression Essay
  • Domestic Violence
  • Freedom of Speech
  • Global Warming
  • Gun Control
  • Human Trafficking
  • I Believe Essay
  • Immigration
  • Importance of Education
  • Israel and Palestine Conflict
  • Leadership Essay
  • Legalizing Marijuanas
  • Mental Health
  • National Honor Society
  • Police Brutality
  • Pollution Essay
  • Racism Essay
  • Romeo and Juliet
  • Same Sex Marriages
  • Social Media
  • The Great Gatsby
  • The Yellow Wallpaper
  • Time Management
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Violent Video Games
  • What Makes You Unique
  • Why I Want to Be a Nurse
  • Send us an e-mail

70 Years of Abandonment: The Failed Promise of ‘Brown v. Board’

martin luther king jr essay topics

  • Share article

Editor’s note: For additional perspectives on the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education , Education Week Opinion Contributor Bettina L. Love invited R. L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy to contribute an essay for a brief series on the U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Ten years after the Brown v. Board of Education decision, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., while speaking at The New School in New York City, told the crowd : “The Negro had been deeply disappointed over the slow pace of school desegregation. … At the beginning of 1963, nine years after this historic decision, approximately 9 percent of Southern Negro students were attending integrated schools. If this pace were maintained, it would be the year 2054 before integration in Southern schools would be a reality.”

While King’s insightful analysis primarily centers on the South, it would be incomplete not to mention that several Northern cities, including Boston , New York City , and Philadelphia viciously resisted school integration, oftentimes picking up arms to keep schools white .

White America’s outright rejection of school integration from the onset is far from over, even as this year marks the 70-year anniversary of Brown . The case was intended to overturn the Plessy v. Ferguson doctrine known as “separate but equal,” but what children of color have endured since the 1954 ruling is a resistance so powerful, so pervasive, and full of white rage that it has created a public school system that is separate and unequal by design to not only appease white dissent but to ensure a racial caste. Seventy years after Brown , public schools across the country are still deeply segregated and unequal .

Atlanta, the city that birthed and raised Rev. King, is also the city I have called home for over 20 years. Although it is known for its racial progress, Atlanta’s racial disparities are so repugnant that injustice is the norm. Public officials would like Atlantans to believe that these injustices are a special condition of circumstance, not structure.

According to the 2020 census data , Atlanta’s population was nearly 50 percent Black and 40 percent white; however, white residents have 46 times more wealth than Black residents . In its 2022 working paper, the National Bureau of Economic Research reported that the racial wealth gap in the United States in 2020 was “effectively the same value” as it was in the 1950s.

In 2022, 7 of the 10 public high schools in Atlanta did not have a single white student in attendance, according to Kamau Bobb, who served as an alternate on the city’s superintendent-search panel. In one of the three remaining schools that are integrated, white students are overrepresented in the International Baccalaureate program, essentially carving out primarily white elite private schools within public schools with public dollars. This level of segregation is cynically unsurprising in a city with a wealth gap akin to the days of the civil rights movement.

Moreover, nationwide data from the fall of 2022 shows that 75 percent of white students in America went to majority-white public schools.

School integration is no longer moving at a slow pace, it is in reverse motion “with all deliberate speed” because Brown continues to be gutted legislatively, locally, and at the school level. Immediately after the Brown ruling, segregation academies were opened in the South and received federal tax exemptions . In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in San Antonio Independent School District v . Rodriguez that funding schools based on local property taxes rather than equally distributing funding among all school districts did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment’s equal protection clause, effectively allowing unequal school funding to continue.

According to a 2019 report from EdBuild for the 2015-16 school year, a $23 billion funding gap exists between white school districts and districts that serve Black and brown students even as “they serve the same number of children.”

The 1974 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Milliken v. Bradley , in a major setback to Brown , rejected a desegregation plan that encompassed the Detroit school district and the neighboring suburban school districts, which were all-white. The Court exempted the suburban districts from the desegregation plan, holding that the district lines had not been drawn with a racist intent and therefore were not responsible for Detroit’s segregated schools. In his dissenting opinion, Justice Thurgood Marshall , joined by three other justices, wrote: “Under such a plan, white and Negro students will not go to school together. Instead, Negro children will continue to attend all-Negro schools. The very evil that Brown 1 was aimed at will not be cured but will be perpetuated for the future.”

Today, the last vestiges of Brown ’s legacy are fading quickly. According to recent UCLA data from the Civil Rights Project , intensely segregated public schools (with a zero percent to 10 percent white student population) nearly tripled over the last 30 years nationwide, rising from 7.4 percent to 20 percent.

We must take a critical look at the fundamental issue: If this nation is going to outright refuse integration through every possible personal, political, and legislative measure, then Black people must demand this country revisit the separate but equal doctrine. Centuries have taught us that we cannot force this country to live up to the promise of integration.

As we mark the 70-year anniversary of a decision this country has clearly shown it never intended to uphold beyond the window dressing of the rhetoric of integration, let us turn to the reality and not idealism. Our schools are separate, and most white Americans appear unwilling to integrate them based on the evidence. So, if separate is the reality for millions of Black and brown students for the foreseeable future, the demand needs to be for reparations .

Sign Up for The Savvy Principal

Edweek top school jobs.

A young Black woman's image dissolves in the smoke.

Sign Up & Sign In

module image 9

IMAGES

  1. Martin Luther King Jr. a Realist Leader Free Essay Example

    martin luther king jr essay topics

  2. Martin Luther King Jr: Civil Rights Movement Impact Essay Example

    martin luther king jr essay topics

  3. An Essay On Martin Luther King Jr

    martin luther king jr essay topics

  4. 004 Martin Luther King Jr Essay Mlk1 ~ Thatsnotus

    martin luther king jr essay topics

  5. Essay on Martin Luther King Jr. (600 Words)

    martin luther king jr essay topics

  6. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Example

    martin luther king jr essay topics

COMMENTS

  1. 128 Martin Luther King Topics & Essay Examples

    Here we've collected best Martin Luther King topics, titles, & research questions. 📝 Martin Luther King essay examples are added to inspire you even more. ... Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist minister and a civil rights defender who rose to fame in 1955. In his iconic "I have a dream" speech, he talked about civil and ...

  2. Martin Luther King Essay for Students and Children

    500+ Words Essay on Martin Luter King. Martin Luther King Jr. was an African-American leader in the U.S. He lost his life while performing a peaceful protest for the betterment of blacks in America. His real name was Michael King Jr. He completed his studies and attained a Ph.D.

  3. 143 Martin Luther King Jr Essay Topics

    The Speech "I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King. This essay focuses on how King used literary devices such as rhetoric, pathos, ethos, logos, personification, and hyperbole to achieve his purpose of the speech "I Have a Dream". Martin Luther King's Dream Came True. Martin Luther King's dream has come true, as today all people ...

  4. Essays on Martin Luther King

    Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.". - Martin Luther King Jr. The 1950s and 1960s was a time full of hate, conflict, violence, discrimination, segregation, inequity and prejudice towards Americans... Martin Luther King Civil Rights Movement. Topics: Anti-racism, Civil Rights Act of 1968, Democracy. 6.

  5. Martin Luther King Jr.

    Stephen F. Somerstein/Getty Images. Martin Luther King Jr. was a social activist and Baptist minister who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his ...

  6. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Martin Luther King, Jr. (born January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.—died April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee) was a Baptist minister and social activist who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968.

  7. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Topics

    Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Topics. Clio has taught education courses at the college level and has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. Most students have learned about Martin Luther King Jr ...

  8. Introduction

    Introduction. Martin Luther King, Jr., made history, but he was also transformed by his deep family roots in the African-American Baptist church, his formative experiences in his hometown of Atlanta, his theological studies, his varied models of religious and political leadership, and his extensive network of contacts in the peace and social ...

  9. Martin Luther King Jr. Critical Essays

    Introduction. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1968. American orator and essayist. The following entry provides an overview of King's career. King was the leader of the civil rights movement in the ...

  10. Three Essays on Religion

    Genre: Essay. Topic: Martin Luther King, Jr. - Education. Details. In the following three essays, King wrestles with the role of religion in modern society. In the first assignment, he calls science and religion "different though converging truths" that both "spring from the same seeds of vital human needs." King emphasizes an awareness ...

  11. "The Purpose of Education"

    Author: King, Martin Luther, Jr. (Morehouse College) Date: January 1, 1947 to February 28, 1947 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Genre: Published Article Topic: Martin Luther King, Jr. - Political and Social Views Details. Writing in the campus newspaper, the Maroon Tiger, King argues that education has both a utilitarian and a moral function. 1 Citing the example of Georgia's former governor Eugene ...

  12. I Have A Dream Speech Essay Topics

    for only $0.70/week. Subscribe. By Martin Luther King Jr. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "I Have A Dream Speech" by Martin Luther King Jr.. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

  13. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay

    Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta Georgia as Michael King Jr., but changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr. in honor of Protestant Martin Luther. Through his activism, King played a pivotal role in ending the legal discrimination of African American citizens. During his childhood, Martin Jr.'s father strongly.

  14. Martin Luther King Jr.: a Legacy of Civil Rights and Social Justice

    The Life and Leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s journey towards becoming a civil rights icon was marked by his commitment to justice and nonviolent protest. He completed his doctoral studies in theology and soon became a pastor, initially in Montgomery, Alabama, and later in Atlanta. His early experiences as a pastor ...

  15. An Experiment in Love: Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Six Pillars of

    Although Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968) used Christian social ethics and the New Testament concept of "love" heavily in his writings and speeches, he was as influenced by Eastern spiritual traditions, Gandhi's political writings, Buddhism's notion of the interconnectedness of all beings, and Ancient Greek philosophy.

  16. Martin Luther King Jr. Criticism

    Essays and criticism on Martin Luther King Jr. - Criticism. An objective assessment of Martin Luther King, Jr.: If the world is at all capable of candor, if the need by blacks and whites to ...

  17. Primary Sources

    The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Vols. 1-6) by Clayborne Carson, Ralph E. Luker, and Penny A. Russell, Eds. Call Number: E185.97.K5 A2 1992. Publication Date: 1992. More than two decades since his death, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s ideas - his call for racial equality, his faith in the ultimate triumph of justice, and his insistence on the ...

  18. Martin Luther King

    Words: 741 Pages: 2 6138. Martin Luther King Jr. lived during a time of great oppression in the United States. People were oppressed for many reasons including, race, gender, class, and religion. King, being an African American, was far too familiar with this oppression, and he decided to take a stand.

  19. Martin Luther King Jr Essays

    Martin Luther King Jr. was an iconic civil rights leader who made a lasting impact on the history of the United States. He is remembered for his peaceful protests and marches against racial discrimination in America, as well as his powerful speeches, which highlighted the importance of equality and justice for all. His commitment to non-violent ...

  20. Martin Luther King Jr.: a Legacy of Achievements

    Essay Example: Martin Luther King Jr., a luminary whose utterances and endeavors echo across epochs, endures as one of the most consequential figures of the American civil rights crusade. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, King etched an enduring impression on American society through

  21. MLK Writing Prompts to Honor Martin Luther King, Jr

    Come and explore the fabulous list of 61 writing ideas for kids shown below about MLK Jr. With these MLK writing prompts, students will expand their understanding of Dr. King and deepen their respect for his work and its lasting effect on humanity. Having students journal about this important topic is a great way to get them thinking critically ...

  22. Martin Luther King Jr Essay Topics

    Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay. Martin Luther King, Jr. I HAVE A DREAM! In an era when racial discrimination and public bigotry towards African Americans in the United States was becoming more evident, this simple, but powerful statement by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a beacon of hope for all African Americans in the country.

  23. Dreams and Declarations: Five Powerful Quotes from Dr. Martin Luther

    F rom the middle of the 1950s until his passing in 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist clergyman and civil rights activist, played a significant role in the American civil rights movement ...

  24. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the University

    E-books and Audiobooks . Throughout January, the University Libraries' Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. OverDrive collection will highlight dozens of books on topics related to King's legacy. From King's own Where Do We Go from Here to John Lewis's co-authored graphic novel March, you can engage with the history and impact of King's work and the movement he helped lead.

  25. King and Kennedy Comparison: Ethos, Logos and Pathos Essay

    Martin Luther King's discourse effectively raised the issue of social liberties utilizing numerous explanatory techniques to a racially blended group of spectators whom he saw as equivalent, not extraordinary. Martin Luther King Jr was very brave to give his speech during this time, with all the violence that was breaking out.

  26. Importance of Body Language While Delivering a Speech: Analyzing Dr

    Summary of the Two Speeches The first video, "I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King. Jr delves into the demonstration for the freedom of Negros in the US. It talks about the oppression and segregation of the Negros in the modern-day society. Luther emphasizes that the Negros are still crippled by the manacles […]

  27. 70 Years of Abandonment: The Failed Promise of 'Brown v. Board'

    Board of Education decision, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., while speaking at The New School in New York City, told the crowd: "The Negro had been deeply disappointed over the slow pace of ...