...Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 until his death in 1968. He is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, tactics his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi helped inspire. King led the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott and in 1957 became the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). With the SCLC, he led an unsuccessful 1962 struggle against segregation in Albany, Georgia, and helped organize the nonviolent 1963 protests in Birmingham, Alabama. He also helped organize the 1963 March on Washington,...
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...In the time of the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans faced intense discrimination, unjust segregation, widespread poverty, and police brutality. In the fight for justice, many forms of protesting ensued, both violent and nonviolent. Two prominent leaders marked their names in history with opposing forms of demanding freedom and equality. In the beginning of the movement, Martin Luther King Jr., leader of the SCLC, set the stage for spiritually aggressive non-violent protesting. Malcolm X, on the other side, preached the importance of defending themselves and breaking away from the oppressors denying them their freedoms. Malcolm X, member of the Nation of Islam, preached against the idea of integration and “[forcing themselves] on...
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...Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice is a threat to justice everywhere” (BrainyQuote). Martin Luther King Jr., born to Alberta and Martin King on January 15, 1929, lead the way for a more diverse america. King played a prominent role to civil rights by forming marches and delivering speeches during the 1960’s. During the Civil Rights Movement King was named president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). On August 28, 1963, King lead the March on Washington and carried out his I Have a Dream Speech, also in 1964 King became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Lastly, on April 4, 1968 King was assassinated by James Earl Ray while delivering a speech in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. King’s interest in equal rights created America’s diverse society. To begin, King led the March on Washington in order to help guarantee jobs and freedom for the colored. Playing an immense role in deciding the future of Civil Rights, “ ...The event (March on Washington) 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” (“Martin Luther King Jr.”). The Civil Rights Act of 1964 guaranteed that no one is to be discriminated against based on their skin color, sex, or ethnic background, meaning segregation was...
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...not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character”. Martin Luther King Jr inspired the human race to strive for harmony among all people. Martin Luther King Jr has influenced America to change from what it was to a better place. Marches Martin Luther King Jr used Marches to helped bring the people to fight for equality For blacks. During the years Martin Luther King Jr was alive, he had brought non-violent Marches to helped fight for African-Americans.”Martin Luther King Jr with a number of civil rights and religious groups to organize the ‘ March On Washington’ for jobs and freedom”(Martin Luther ). Martin Luther King Jr, religious groups and other civil leaders used this March to show how African-American injustices that they face around the United States. The issue with segregation in alabama came to supreme court and later segregation became ban.“in 1956, he helped to organize a bus boycott in montgomery, after...
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...whether or not they are a leader. Martin Luther King Jr. was an excellent impactful leader during the civil rights movement. Odysseus is a Greek hero who also leads as discussed in The Odyssey. However, in The Odyssey, Homer has Odysseus leading people into disaster with his selfishness. While Odysseus and Martin Luther King Jr possess similar leadership skills to lead people, Martin Luther King Jr was an iconic civil rights leader because he proclaimed his thoughts with peace and loyalty, rather than letting his hubris side affect him like Odysseus did when he was on his journey. Odysseus had power from being the king of Ithaca and the ability to lead a large group to follow him, Martin Luther King Jr also had capability to lead people to change and turn their way of thinking. In The Odyssey, Odysseus and his men were trapped with the...
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...Civil Rights Movement Parminder Singh History 145 September 20th, 2011 Christopher Jackson Civil Rights Movement In the early 1960s the American nation was struggling with anxiety in many different ways. The position of America in the world was sinking with the Soviet Union bringing competition to the table with their space programs that intimidated the American government. The public, itself, was concerned about the ‘visibility of Poverty, the rising frustrations of women,’ and most important, besides “other long-suppressed discontents” was the “growing pressures of African American and other minorities” (Brinkley (2007) p.821). The media had a large role on the way the society thought along with Martin Luther King and Malcolm X’s influences that changed the movement of civil rights later in the 1960s. The media in the 1960s was great at getting raw and non-bias stories, unlike in today’s era where most of the news Americans get is mainly leaning toward one side or the other. The media expressed how the African Americans deserved equal rights in the south and other areas; “when urban black parents attempt to intervene, they are characterized as “obstructionist” for requesting those participatory privileges in the educational process taken for granted by white suburbanite parents”[New York, N.Y] 13 Nov 1966: 276). The public’s opinion of civil rights grew with the media displaying raw footage of segregation. The white Americans that once were friends with or even...
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...Introduction The Civil Rights Movement reached its peak in the 1950s and 1960s. An abundance of unfair events created a desire to secure equality for all Americans. Numerous historical leaders poured their lives into fighting for the basic privileges and rights of U.S. citizenship. Many African-American men and women, along with whites, organized and led the movement to fight against injustice. The eight resources below provide information about several historical leaders that made an impact on the Civil Rights Movement. These resources may be used to create assignments to help students develop a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights Movement. Furthermore, students will benefit from meaningful classroom discussions about these heroic leaders. Important People There are numerous well-known historical figures that influenced the Civil Rights Movement leading up to the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is probably one of the most powerful leaders involved in the fight for civil rights. Coretta Scott King worked and marched alongside her husband, Dr. King and continued his fight for justice after his death. In addition, Thurgood Marshall became the first African-American judge on the Supreme Court appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball which contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement. African-American...
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...Martin Luther king made an huge impact on the Civil rights movement by preaching and speaking to America and many others by saying his his strong beliefs. Also explained about nonviolent protest also helped set the tone of the movement. It also made an great impact on our present community. A Lot of things had great impact such as schools, jobs, and in some parts just being outside with racism. Before Martin luther King tried / did influence others, it was more worse when it came to the community. Such as a lot of segregation and racism. I’m it didn't change over off from the back it took time and that still made and big impact because even whites changed their minds and other people. Over the next view years as time progressed there was a...
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...Stark Differences Throughout history there have been many great leaders who have made an immense impact. However, none of them can compare to the enormous amount of impact that Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X had. Both men displayed a massive amount of courage while trying to put an end to racism when no one else dared to. They both stood up for what they believed in no matter how much they were ridiculed. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were two of the most recognized leaders in history who both had the same objective of putting a stop to racism but had several differences in their background, philosophy, and influences. Although they were alike in many aspects, the location and setting in which they were raised caused a distinction in the way they led. When Malcolm was six years old his father was killed by the Black Legionaries. This played an enormous role in his mother’s break down, which put her in a mental institution. Malcolm’s mother, Louise, could not handle raising eight children during the Great Depression, especially without their father. This is what led to six of the children becoming wards of the state. One of those children was Malcolm, who soon thereafter began to live a life of crime including drugs, con games, and thievery. Just before he turned twenty-one years old Malcolm was sentenced to eight to ten years in prison for burglary. In prison, Malcolm had to educate himself, and developed his debating skills, and pledged to replace black self-hate...
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...Leader and the significant impact these individuals had on society and political changes. b. Thesis statement: History shows how leaders impact the outcomes and development of cultures and society due to social and political changes and influences. c. Preview of Main Points: i. World leader Gandhi led to Satyagraha and the equal rights for all. ii. Martin Luther King Jr. contributed to the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. II. Gandhi’s contribution to social changes. a. One of the worlds most pronounced leaders of the twentieth century. b. Concept of Satyagraha, truth and firmness (Mohandas Gandhi). c. Indian Independence from Britain in 1947. III. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contribution to the social changes made in the United States. a. King traveled the Country and the world to lecture other leaders, activists, and protestors on the importance, how to, and benefits on non-violent protesting. b. Civil Rights Act prohibiting racial discrimination (History.com) c. Voting Rights Act guaranteeing the right to vote to all African Americans (History.com). IV. Conclusion a. Restatement of thesis: History shows how leaders impact the outcomes and development of cultures and society due to social and political changes and influences. b. Summary of main points: i. Gandhi led to the concept of Satyagraha and the equal rights for all due to his contribution towards India’s...
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...Martin & Malcolm & America In this paper, there will be a primary focus on two of the most prominent leaders during the civil rights era. These two leaders are Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. The paper will discuss how these extraordinary men made their phenomenal contributions to America by offering to bring about their own political, racial, and social views that were affecting the people of color. Their ability to voice their strong opinions about the injustices that were taking place among African Americans and the oppositions that were before them gave them the durability to prolong the fight for freedom and justice. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were both men of purpose, dignity, and pride. The ongoing effort they gave for the people and to the people helped them to earn the respect that has followed them for decades. For that reason, this paper will reflect the ways in which both men contributed to the African American culture and the shaping of America in an effort to bring about a change that was needed to move forward. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X had different political philosophies; however, they both went about using different methods to campaign for civil rights. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a champion of non-violent protests and peace marches. His speeches entranced both blacks and whites into action for the civil rights movement. MLK knew that if the blacks worked for peace, peacefully, then equality was inevitable. “What they...
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...Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela Non-violence is a concept that people participate in social and political change without violence. It is a form of social and political change between passive acceptances and armed struggle. Non-violence way to participate in the social and political change is including nonviolent civil disobedience against, acts of civil disobedience or other powerful influence uncooperative antagonistic form; it is similar with pacifism, but it is not pacifism. Since the mid-20th century, nonviolence and civil disobedience become the main form of social change, and it also is respected political and social philosophy. As the practice of social and political change, non-violent has the essence difference with pacifism, it is contrary to the wishes of the oppressed, and it struggle with any injustice and power political. In my final paper, I will instruction three famous Non-violence movement leader: Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela; and also I will compare the similar and difference between them. Mahatma Gandhi was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in Britishruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the world. A very important turning point in Gandhi’s life is he arrived in South Africa to work as a legal representative for the Muslim Indian traders based in the city of Pretoria...
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...The Leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. Abstract The visionary leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. influenced a nation, and ultimately affected a dramatic change in the area of Civil Rights. The achievements he accomplished in the arena of Human rights still serve as a platform for social change today, even decades after his death. Martin is hailed as a classic Charismatic and Transformational Leader, whose masterful rhetorical skills and personalized leadership empowered many Americans to stand up and claim their rights as American citizens. This paper will provide an analysis of Martin Luther King’s leadership style, and speak briefly about its development. We will discuss his background and the factors that greatly influenced his success as a leader. We will also cover Martin’s application of influence tactics, such as rational persuasion and inspirational appeals, and reveal an almost textbook ideal of leader, follower and situation dynamics. In general, we will discuss his vision and finally pinpoint the factors that ultimately led to his rise in power. “Always bear in mind that your resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.” Abraham Lincoln, U.S. President. Introduction Of all of the leadership styles that have been studied, observed and researched throughout the ages, Charismatic and Transformational Leadership, are cited as being the most powerful. Martin Luther King Jr. is definitely one of the most charismatic and transformational...
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...Cultural studies; I hope to expound on the creation of an artifact that is in its very infancy as artifacts are dated. This is one of Dr. Martin Luther King Father, Husband, Minster, Civil Rights Leader and overall Good Man and the Roman type of granite monument that had been built in his honor in Washington D.C this nation Capital. I will talk about The Monument where it’s located and what it looks like, “The Cultural Background” by which all things started from the gathering of slaves and the effects on a descendant of Africa after European influences more than 400, to their freedom from slavery, to the civil rights movement of which Dr. King emerges. From here I will move to “The Man” Dr. Martian Luther King? Here we have “The Legacy” who was this civil rights leader and what did he do to advance this new metamorphoses in culture after the assimilation of Western cultures within the United States of people of African lineage. The Monument My modern cultural artifact is the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial located on the National Mall near the Tidal Basin and the Roosevelt memorial. It has an iconic address of 1964 Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC 20024. The street number represents the Civil Rights Act of 1964 of which Dr. King played a large role in the legislation being passed and put into place. Here stands a 3 piece artifact of Dr. King, this statue is 30-foot tall and is carved from a piece of granite that symbolizes the "stone of hope." Two additional pieces of granite...
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...Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights activist from the 1950 to 1968 with a strong religious background. A strong advocator for all minorities, King did all in his power to end barriers of community, poverty, racism and militarism. The principle he focused more on, however, was racism. King defined racism as prejudice, apartheid, ethnic conflict, anti-Semitism, sexism, colonialism, homophobia, ageism, or discrimination against disabled groups and stereotypes (Haskins). Later turning his efforts to poverty, King believed that the United States should have equal rights for all men, women and children. Martin Luther King Jr. had a strong philosophy of non-violent protests, called civil disobedience, to which he gained supporters, changing the jurisdictions of racism and poverty to create the American Dream for all. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, to Michael King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. Born as Michael King Jr., King lived in Atlanta, Georgia (How Did Martin). However, in honor of minister and civil-rights activist Martin Luther Baptist, his parents gave him the name Martin. In 1931, King’s father became the lead pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, a very successful minister as his father and grandfather had been. A very intelligent man, King skipped ninth and eleventh grades, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School at the age of fifteen. Dealing with segregation at a young age, King believed...
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