student essay on martin luther king

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.

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.

• 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

• Skip to main content

India’s Largest Career Transformation Portal

Essay on Martin Luther King for Students | 500+ Words Essay

December 10, 2020 by Sandeep

Essay on Martin Luther King : Martin Luther King was an American activist & leader in the Civil Rights Movement. He was mostly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi , who was the flag bearer of Ahimsa or Non-Violence. He always fought for equal rights until James Earl Ray murdered him in 1968. He was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1964.

Essay on Martin Luther King 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Martin Luther King Jr. Essay in English, written in easy and simple words for class 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 school students

Martin Luther King was a Baptist minister who conducted the civil rights movement. He was an African-American leader in the United States. He also participated in civil rights activists, which began in the mid-1950’s, which had a seismic impact on race relations in American relations. With his constant efforts, King Martin became the SCLC leader (Southern Christian Leadership Conference). Being able to speak inspirationally and energetically, King Martin additionally played a major role in airing the legal segregation of African-American citizens in the US, and he also played a pivotal role in enacting the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Martin was born on January 15, 1929, as a second child of Alberta Williams King and Michael King Sr., A.D. Williams was his grandfather who had been a rural minister for many years and finally moved to Atlanta in 1893. He was able to take care of small and struggling Ebenezer Baptist church, having just 13 members, and wherein within a few time, he made it into a big and forceful congregation. Initially, King Martin was admitted in segregated public schools, while at the age 15, he got admission to Morehouse College to study Medicine and Law.

Since he was not interested in following the footstep of his father, thus, he changed his mind accordingly guided by Dr. Benjamin Mays, who was an advocate for racial equality. When he completed his graduation in 1948, he moved to Pennsylvania to pursue a Bachelor of Divinity degree, where he won a remarkable fellowship, and he was also chosen as the president of his predominantly white senior class. In 1953, he got admission at Boston University to accomplish his coursework, and after two years, he was also able to earn a doctorate in systematic theology.

Meantime, he met with Coretta Scott, studying at the New England Conservatory of Music. She was a single from Alabama. The two married in the same year and were blessed with four children named Martin Luther King III, Dexter Scott King, Yolanda Dennis King and Bernice Albertine King who were with them until their deaths. After his marriage, King Martin continued his research work at Boston Graduate School and in 1955, he was able to get his PHD. At the same time, King Martin was also an eminent Civil Right Activist who kept trying to get rid of discrimination and to abolish unfair segregation laws in the South.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

In 1956, two attempts were made by throwing bombs on to the porch of Martin Luther King Jr’s house, fortunately, both times, the bombs did not explode. In this same year, King Martin was arrested because of taking part in hindering operations of buses without having a legal cause. He also published a book named “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story” in 1958. In 1960, he along with his family moved to Atlanta where he became the co-pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church of his father’s old church.

Martin Luther King Jr. was pressurized to lead a march in Albany in 1962. Afterwards, he gave a speech that inspired millions of Africa-American people. Being a powerful speaker and influencing nature, he was elected as the leader of a group known as the Montgomery Improvement Association. After that, King Martin started a protest against segregated buses. This protest was started when an old lady named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, and later she was arrested.

After this protest, King Jr. encouraged the public to boycott the segregated buses also. All this made white people angry for King Martin, and they also wanted to kill them by throwing bombs in his house. To end this violence, Martin Luther, with other African-American ministers, established the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. During the conference, African-American College boys started occupying white tables only. This protest was interrupted by the southern police that was also shown on the television. Meanwhile, President Kennedy sent a bill to deal with this situation in favour of Congress. Soon, there was the end of segregation law.

Death and Memorial of King Martin

In 1968, Martin King was giving a speech in Tennessee in front of a massive crowd, named as “I’ve been to the mountain top”; unfortunately, James Earl Ray shot him and he died. That speech was about African-American garbage men. The attacker was caught, and unfortunately, he was sentenced to jail for only nine years. Every year, on King Martin’s birthday, Martin Luther King Day is celebrated in the US as a national holiday to honour his work.

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…….
• 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.
• 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 […]
• 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.
• “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.
• 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 […]
• 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.
• 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 […]
• 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.’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 […]
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 […]
• 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.
• 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”.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 […]
• “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.
• 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 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 and Malcolm X Although Malcolm X did not favor violence, he had a strong objection on the subject of nonviolence philosophy on the blacks.
• 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 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 […]
• 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 […]
• 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.
• 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 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 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 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 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’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 […]
• 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 […]
• 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/.

• I Have a Dream Research Topics
• Civil Rights Movement Questions
• US History Topics
• Letter From Birmingham Jail Titles
• Malcolm X Questions
• Black Lives Matter Topics
• Oppression Research Topics
• 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

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Social Issues

Essay Samples on Martin Luther King

Martin luther king's birmingham jail letter: a timeless call for justice.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" is a poignant and influential piece of writing that captures the essence of the civil rights movement in the United States. Composed during King's incarceration in April 1963, the letter addresses the criticism he faced from fellow...

• Letter From Birmingham Jail
• Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King Jr. vs. Malcolm X: A Comparative Analysis

The Civil Rights Movement in the United States was marked by the leadership and contributions of two iconic figures: Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. While both men had a shared goal of achieving racial equality and justice, they pursued different approaches and philosophies....

Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' Speech: Analysis of Rhetoric

Dr. Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech is analysed in this essay as one of the most influential and admired speeches of the 20th century. King now no longer totally remarks on controversial topics, but eloquently expresses his opinion except being offensive. King's...

• Martin Luther King I Have a Dream

The Letter from Birmingham Jail: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

Introduction Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist clergyman and civil rights activist who advocated nonviolence in the 1960s. He was also the head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a significant organization that promoted nonviolent protests such as sit-ins and peaceful marches. In...

Martin Luther King - a Fighter for Civil Disobedience

Many view the era of civil disobedience as a thing of the past and just a characteristic of historic events and personalities, ignoring the fact that historic and iconic events of the past were also instigated by people just like them. This may be due...

• Civil Disobedience

Stressed out with your paper?

Consider using writing assistance:

• 100% unique papers
• 3 hrs deadline option

About Civil Disobedience: Plato and Martin Luther King’s Views

In this argumentative essay about civil disobedience, I will argue that Martin Luther King’s views about civil disobedience are more credible and trustworthy compared to Plato’s beliefs by addressing the prevalence of racial segregation and discrimination, and comparing and contrasting the activist and philosopher’s views...

Civil Disobedience and Its Development by Socrates and Martin Luther King

Despite the two and a half-century difference between Socrates and Martin Luther King Jr., both have shaped modern societies and carved out a path for contemporary thought, philosophically and socially, influencing human actions and politics in the world today. At first glance, the two thinkers...

I Have a Dream: Ethos, Logos and Pathos in the Speech

On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr exhibited one of the most logically moving talks at any point conveyed. Titled the 'I Have a Dream Speech,' Dr. Ruler introduced this discourse to the 'Walk on Washington for Jobs and Freedom' (1) gathering. As a...

Civil Disobedience Concept in Martin Luther King's and Plato's Works

In this paper I will argue that Martin Luther King Jr’s (MLK) views about disobeying the law in the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” are more credible than Socrates’s views about disobeying the law in “the Crito,” by Plato. MLK believes that civil disobedience is...

Civil Disobedience as a Demonstration of Rebellion in MLK and Gandhi

The demonstration of civil disobedience is generally a demonstration of political dissent on the grounds that the rebelliousness is expected to pass on a message of discontent to the government, media, and most important in the open world for others to see. The demonstrations of...

• Mahatma Gandhi

Comparison of Martin Luther King And Malcolm X in Terms of Their Ideology

In the annals of history, few figures have left as profound a mark on the fight for civil rights and black equality in America as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Their names resonate in the hearts of millions, symbolizing the relentless struggle for...

• Civil Rights Movement

Historical and Legal Importance of Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta Georgia. The reason why Martin Luther King Jr. is important is his vision for everyone to be treated equally and not be judged for who they are such as their religion, culture,...

• African American History

Martin Luther King Jr. And Malcolm X: Different Ways, Common Goal

In the African American community, there are many battles set up to destroy them. Poverty, poor schooling, and lack of community activities are a hindrance to the growing process in African American children’s lives since well before this generation. In recent history, we see that...

Rhetorical Analysis Of The "Letter From Birmingham Jail"

In 1963 inmate Martin Luther King Jr. was restrained in a Birmingham Alabama city cell. Many clergymen viewed King’s things to do as “unwise and untimely”. It was very uncommon that King even responded to the statements made about his movements or words, but King...

Rhetorical Analysis Of "Letter From Birmingham Jail" By MLK

In the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” written in 1963 Martin Luther King Jr., he wrote the letter to help protect himself from the accusations of the fellow eight white clergymen, who wrote and issued a public statement about him. Dr. King was in jail because...

Johann Christoph Blumhardt and Christology

Johann Christoph Blumhardt (1805-1880) was a Lutheran pastor in Württemberg. He was known among the Lutheran Pietists who built the relation between Southwest Germany [then] with the Basel University of Switzerland mission Society. Certain authors consider this relationship as fostering the trans-Atlantic faith healing movement....

• Christology

Martin Luther: The Father Of The Protestant Reformation

The Protestant Reformation took place in the 16th century and it was a religious, political, intellectual, and cultural upheaval that shattered Catholic Europe. It leads to a new settings and structures that redefined the continent in the modern era. In northern and central Europe, reformers...

• The Protestant Reformation

Martin Luther And John Calvin As The Leaders Of Protestant Reformation

The reformation, according to the source, was leaded by two major figures- John Calvin and Martin Luther. The source describes the fact that the Roman Catholic church, even though a religious group under the Pope, and though it did not have a country to its...

The Motives Behind And The Impact Of The Start Of The Protestant Reformation

The 16th century was an era dominated by religious conflict which spanned over 100 years in several different states across Western Europe to answer what seemed was an issue in religion – a spiritual need. This age was known as the European Reformation, an emergence...

Rhetorical Analysis Of Letter from Birmingham Jail: Ethos, Pathos And Logos

Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested in April of 1963 for participating in a march, which was a march fighting for the equal rights for African Americans. While confined in the Birmingham City Jail, King wrote a rebuttal letter directed towards to the clergymen of...

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Cesar Chavez And Martin Luther King

Throughout history, there have been many changes. A famous quote reads, “actions speak louder than words,” but words are also a huge part of inspiring changes. How can words inspire change? Words can inspire changes in many ways, like through literature and through speeches. Cesar...

• Cesar Chavez

Letter From Birmingham Jail By Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. is easily the first name that comes to mind when thinking of the civil rights movement. King helped the movement grow by advocating nonviolent and civil disobedient acts shaped by Gandhi’s own methods in India. He was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama...

• Civil Rights

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And Malcolm X: The Heroes Of Civil Rights

“I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you're grateful, you'll see God open up new doors.” (Osteen). Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. supported nonviolent direct action and opposition to authority, especially a refusal to cooperate...

The Impacts of Martin Luther Speech on Social Issues

'I have a Dream Speech' remains one of the famous speeches in American history as blacks sought freedom. The fight against discrimination on basis of race and color was ripe in the 1950s and early 1960s, this is despite the ruling that barred any discrimination...

• Discrimination

Reflection on Martin Luther King's Views on Vocation

The colloquial topic about Luther on Vocational ethics – five hundred years Reformation conducted by Professor Nullens, helped me to discover more about my vocation in life. I am inspired by how Martin Luther bravely fight for the reformation. In fact, I already know Luther...

Analysis of Cesar Chavez's Essay on Martin Luther King's Use of Nonviolence

The United States has become habitual to words such as inequality and injustice. Our country has a long endured history for discriminating African-Americans. On the tenth anniversary of the assination of Martin Luther King Jr, Cezar Chavez appraises King and other social activists in the...

• Nonviolence

Analysis of The Key Principles of Nonviolence According to Martin Luther King Jr.

Throughout the semester, we have explored diverse methods by which violence is employed to convey a particular message. An alternative to violence is the utilization of nonviolent strategies. This encompasses peaceful protests against issues with which we disagree. Though sometimes it may seem ineffective, the...

Martin Luther King Standing Up for Equal Rights

Freedom, equality and justice are just words to us, that’s what they seem. But what about those who had to fight for all three to obtain freedom? Having equality justice and freedom meant they could have a future and not have to live in constant...

• American History

Martin Luther King: Exploring His Leadership Style and Societal Role

Martin Luther King Jr. was a social activist who played a major role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until the day he was assassinated in 1968. He felt strongly about fighting to achieve equality and human rights especially for the African...

Biography of Martin Luther King Jr. Before the I Have a Dream Speech

On April 14, 1954, Martin Luther King Jr. accepted the position of pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. As we know now, that decision would set off a chain of events that would lead King to become the spokesperson of the Montgomery...

Flames of Protestant Reformation: The Success of Martin Luther

Success depends on timing, talent, and potentially turmoil. Martin Luther is a man remembered for being the leader of the Protestant Reformation, or to the Catholic church, a successful heretic. Now, Luther was not the first to speak against the errors and the corruption of...

• Reformation

The Impacts of Protestant and Catholic Reformations on Europe

The cultural scene within sixteenth-century Europe was characterized by religious turmoil and the arise of two similar yet different religious ideologies: The Protestant and the English Reformations. The Protestant Reformation was a movement within Europe in the sixteenth-century that posed a religious and political challenge...

The Power Of Words - Symbolism and Rhetorical Devices in MLK's 'I Have a Dream'

In life, we all want to chase our dreams and be able to see them. Sometimes, they can come true and other times they flash before your eyes and are gone within seconds. In Martin Luther King Jr.'s discourse, 'I Have a Dream' he wished...

Sharing the Dream: 'I Have a Dream' as a Beacon of Hope for African Americans

Martin Luther King was a very successful speaker and was well known for conveying the audiences. He would tour across the country to give speeches about the injustice that was happening with african americans. His most famous speech which was “I Have a Dream” was...

I Have a Dream: An Inspiring Cry for Freedom

I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr was a speech given on August 28, 1963. Martin Luther King’s speech took place on Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, where thousands of blacks and whites joined together to listen. He stated his dreams of what...

I Have a Dream: An Inspiring Speech Against Racism

Martin Luther King Jr.; what comes to mind when you here this historically iconic name? Insurgency, rebellion, dedication? What about his historically acclaimed speech, “I Have a Dream”? This discussion is about a long lasting issues throughout the history of the United States; racism and...

Martin Luther and The Protestant Reformation

Freedom of religion in America is something we take for granted today, but centuries ago people fought long and hard and even died horrible deaths for the right to believe what they wanted. During the sixteenth century, the most powerful authority in western Europe was...

The Role of Religion on Ideology of the Protestant Reformation

Religion has always been a topic of interest, due to the sheer power that one can acquire by having control on the aspect of life after death. Reformers such as Luther and Calvin set a basis on which the world can retaliate, and no longer...

A Class Divided' Movie Review

“Oh Great Spirit, keep me from ever judging a man until I have walked a mile in his moccasins.” The above lines from a Sioux prayer, hit a chord in light of the diverse and divided world we live in. Quoted by the protagonist Jane...

• A Class Divided

The Establishment of FBI Under Hoover's and Martin Luther King's Opposition

This Bureau was created in 1908-1909 because the people found it necessary to have more protection from other countries that threatened our nation’s security. America’s population was increasing, and so was crime. The government realized this great need for more highly trained agents to secure...

• American Government

The Influential Aspects of Leader in Martin Luther King

“Only through an inner spiritual transformation do we gain the strength to fight vigorously the evils of the world in a humble and loving spirit.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. According to Freud, a person’s identity is fixed in childhood by age five or...

• Influential Person

Internal Struggles of Main Characters in 'To Kill A Mockingbird'

Martin Luther King Jr. once stated that black people undoubtedly commit crimes, as do all people of America, but most crimes they are convicted of are derivative. To Kill a Mockingbird is set during the 1930s, but written and published in 1960, during which the...

• To Kill a Mockingbird

The Historical Impact of Letter from Birmingham Jail During Civil Rights Movement

Martin Luther King Jr, Reverend and Civil Rights Activist, the letter that he wrote was about Dr. King writing back to the eight clergymen who were criticizing him and his fellow activists. “Letter from Birmingham Jail” (1963) written by Martin Luther King, is the most...

Letter from Birmingham Jail: Martin Luther King's Philosophical Views and Influences 

Martin Luther King Jr. spent eight days in the jail or Birmingham. Amid that time, he made his 'Letter from a Birmingham Jail. 'The letter was apparently considered a letter that had as of late keep running in a nearby daily paper, which had guaranteed...

The World Without Social Justice

Martin Luther King once said, “We may all have come from different ships, but we're in the same boat now”. In the world we’re living now social justice has always been a big role in our society, you realized it or not. Social justice works...

• Social Justice

Different, Yet Similar Beliefs of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X

In a debate about student sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement, Malcolm X argues that when it comes to the Black man in America, it is unarguable that the Negroes in America are discriminated more so compared to the whites in America. The moment that...

Diversion from Original American Beliefs and Identity

America has been perceived as a country that has provided equal opportunities to anyone despite differences in racial background or social status. As the population of America has exponentially grown, over time, hatred against people who identify as different from Europeans has also grown, thus...

• American Identity
• American Values

An Open Letter to Martin Luther: A Description of Fallacies

To the Venerable Martin Luther, whom I respect and hold with the utmost esteem We have not met; I am but a poor student attending the University of Brigham Young in the United States of America. I am neither wise nor learned. I have not...

Martin Luther King's Role In The Independence Of African Americans

Regardless of the number of years that have passed since the abhorrent mistreatment of African Americans was deemed acceptable, there appears to be an ongoing need to continuously raise the standards to achieve true justice for them. The Emancipation Proclamation marked the start of a...

The Power of Pathos in the "Letter from Birmingham Jail"

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" has been hailed as one of the most significant pieces of writing in American history. The letter, written in 1963 while King was serving a jail sentence for his participation in civil rights protests, has become an...

Best topics on Martin Luther King

1. Martin Luther King’s Birmingham Jail Letter: A Timeless Call for Justice

2. Martin Luther King Jr. vs. Malcolm X: A Comparative Analysis

3. Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech: Analysis of Rhetoric

4. The Letter from Birmingham Jail: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

5. Martin Luther King – a Fighter for Civil Disobedience

6. About Civil Disobedience: Plato and Martin Luther King’s Views

7. Civil Disobedience and Its Development by Socrates and Martin Luther King

8. I Have a Dream: Ethos, Logos and Pathos in the Speech

9. Civil Disobedience Concept in Martin Luther King’s and Plato’s Works

10. Civil Disobedience as a Demonstration of Rebellion in MLK and Gandhi

11. Comparison of Martin Luther King And Malcolm X in Terms of Their Ideology

12. Historical and Legal Importance of Martin Luther King Jr.

13. Martin Luther King Jr. And Malcolm X: Different Ways, Common Goal

14. Rhetorical Analysis Of The “Letter From Birmingham Jail”

15. Rhetorical Analysis Of “Letter From Birmingham Jail” By MLK

• Gender Equality
• Gender Inequality
• Pornography
• Globalization
• Anti Slavery Movement
• Poverty in America

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

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

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

The Other America: Student essays focus on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision and economic justice

Each year, DU students have the opportunity to enter the university’s MLK Day Essay Contest.

“The contest was a part of speakers, service projects and initiatives planned around the state to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Director of Student Life Natalie Wagner. “This is the 6th year we have sponsored the MLK Day Essay Contest at Davenport.”

The theme focused on economic justice, Wagner said. Weeks before his death, King spoke to a union group in New York about what he called ‘the other America.’ He felt that major inequalities existed and he advocated for guaranteed full employment, a livable income and increased construction of low-income housing and public works programs.

The 33 students who entered authored essays about this theme. The essays were judged by staff and faculty, including Rhae-Ann Booker, John Jaksa, Melissa Haswell, Lindsey Shull and Terri Tomaszek.

The top essays were:

• 1st place ($1,000 scholarship) – Ryan Elmore, a general business student at the Holland Campus
• 2nd place ($500 scholarship) – Cherina Johnson, an online strategic management student from Saginaw
• 3rd place ($300 scholarship) – Matthew McClurg, a legal studies major at the W.A. Lettinga Campus from Ireland
• Honorable Mention ($100 scholarship) – Kelly Hernandez, a marketing student at the W.A. Lettinga Campus
• Honorable Mention ($100 scholarship) – Selina Osei, an online MBA student

Learn more and read their essays:

The following excerpt was taken from a Washington Post article written by Eugene Robinson (2015):

As we celebrate King’s great achievement and sacrifice, it is wrong to round off the sharp edges of his legacy. He saw inequality as a fundamental and tragic flaw in this society, and he made clear in the weeks leading up to his assassination that economic issues were becoming the central focus of his advocacy.

On March 10, 1968, just weeks before his death, he spoke to a union group in New York about what he called “the other America.” He was preparing to launch a Poor People’s Campaign whose premise was that issues of jobs and issues of justice were inextricably intertwined.

“One America is flowing with the milk of prosperity and the honey of equality,” King said. “That America is the habitat of millions of people who have food and material necessities for their bodies, culture and education for their minds, freedom and human dignity for their spirits. . . .But as we assemble here tonight, I’m sure that each of us is painfully aware of the fact that there is another America, and that other America has a daily ugliness about it that transforms the buoyancy of hope into the fatigue of despair.”

Those who lived in the other America, King said, were plagued by “inadequate, substandard and often dilapidated housing conditions,” by “substandard, inferior, quality-less schools,” by having to choose between unemployment and low-wage jobs that didn’t even pay enough to put food on the table.

The problem was structural, King said: “This country has socialism for the rich, rugged individualism for the poor.”

Nearly five decades later, consider how the theme of economic justice is still relevant today. Discuss and provide an example of how you have witnessed economic injustice in modern times. Regarding “the other America” that King referenced, he advocated for guaranteed full employment, a livable income, and increased construction of low-income housing and public works programs. Discuss the impact that these investments could have on poverty and society.  

Robinson, E. (2015, January 15). MLK’s prophetic call for economic justice. The Washington Post, Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a proponent of economic justice in the United States – a nation blazoned as a land of prosperity and opportunity. This notion originates from cultural optimism spurred by the American dream. Many Americans realize that the American dream is precisely a dream – often only obtainable whilst asleep. Those whom are socially aware, or ‘woke,’ understand that the economic success of the nation is derived by the masses, yet enjoyed by few. America may be the leader of the free world, but many of its citizens are shackled by economic injustice. The America that I know exists behind a façade; Dr. King referred to this subjugate as “the other America.” If we collectively advocate for economic justice reforms, then the financial well-being of all Americans will improve.

Economic injustice is unbridled in modern America; it is evident in wealth and opportunity disparities, which exist in many forms. I work in the financial services industry and have the pleasure of interacting with the diverse members of our community. One aspect of my job is to speak with clients and prospects in order to understand their financial needs and desires. Most people tell me that they do not possess the wealth or income required to cover their living expenses or provide for their family. The problem is rarely related to mere spending; the problem arises from systemic low wages and the rising costs of living. As a result, many people need loans just to survive or to improve their economic outlook. Nevertheless, loans leave people feeling trapped and can lead to further financial perils. Those whom are denied traditional loans often find themselves trapped in the vicious poverty cycle or fall victim to predatory lenders. This is just one aspect of our society that hinders “the other America” and allows economic injustice and inequality to flourish. Dr. King addressed these issues and others by championing economic reforms.

Dr. King garnered support for several economic justice reforms. He believed in adequate employment for all and affordable housing. Full employment would capitalize on the potential of all people; it could be created through public work programs and public-private partnerships, thus benefiting society twofold. Additionally, changing the minimum wage to a livable wage would provide relief to those whom are living between paychecks or are financially insolvent. Furthermore, increasing the availability of low-income housing would relieve the financial burden of shelter that many Americans face. Fairness and justice are two principles I believe in strongly; these reforms would lessen the unfair impact of poverty that afflicts our society.

We cannot overlook economic injustices. Time alone will not erode the grasp or effects that poverty and financial duress have on society. Following Dr. King’s example, I encourage you to peacefully advocate for social change. I am optimistic that we can create an economy that truly emboldens the meaning of liberty and justice for all.

Economic justice continues to be an important topic of discussion in the present age, despite the attention Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brought about it many years ago. Whenever there are different classes of people separated based on finances, social status, and ethnicity, unfortunately there is the likelihood that economic injustice will occur. This is not to say that the wrong is intentional or unintentional. Regardless of the reasoning, this is something that is bound to happen sooner or later. Individuals who hold key positions of decision-making can effectively and progressively make more opportunities for the less fortunate to enjoy a better quality of life.

Rental housing is a sector of the economic system that is prevalent with economic injustice for the poor. Some of these business owners have a tendency to rent out properties that are unfit for them to live in, yet they have the audacity to allow a tenant to occupy the property. Tenants who are prime targets are usually individuals who have bad credit, negative rental history or on state aid. On a personal note, I have witnessed family members living in adverse housing situations, some of which were a safety hazard. For example, missing or broken steps, unleveled floors, and broken heating system.

Guaranteed full employment, a livable income, and increased construction of low-income housing and public works programs could impact poverty and society. Guaranteed full employment could help individuals rise out of poverty to become self-sufficient, yet it would increase the burden on businesses and society to generate the funds necessary to sustain the increased workforce. A livable income could help to minimize the poverty rate and provide an individual with the self-esteem necessary to live a productive life; however, a livable income would vary from person to person. Who in society would determine what a livable income consists of?

Would it be unbiased? Construction of low-income housing and public works programs would provide individuals with better housing options and give individuals better opportunities to improve their quality of life through better schools access and recreational programs. On the other hand, it could cause property values to diminish in neighborhoods and become a breeding ground for an array of illegal activities such as drugs, gang violence, prostitution, and human trafficking. Nonetheless, these investments could help inspire these individuals to bigger and greater things in life also, which would make this a better and brighter world.

In conclusion, economic justice is something that is still evident in the present age. It is something that has managed to stay alive throughout the years, and a topic that will undoubtedly be analyzed for years to come. Despite any advancements that have taken place to address this topic, there is still a lot of work ahead to make a significant impact on poverty, as well as improve society.

As an international student, from Ireland, having studied Martin Luther King in secondary school, I was aware of the context behind the speeches he made and what racial segregation had done to America in the 1960’s and before. It was extremely relatable to me as growing up in Belfast, we too had our struggles over segregation and advantageous preferencing with the Protestant and Catholic divide.

Nevertheless, my understanding of economic injustice in America, especially in 2015, was completely unknown until I visited America. My thoughts before experiencing America were that racial segregation, discrimination and the legacy of the Jim Crows laws were all a thing of the past. This I’m afraid to say was sadly mistaken.

I visited New Orleans, Louisiana in January of 2015. This was an eye opener to say the least! As King states, ‘the other America’ was shocking to see. The predominately white areas of New Orleans were amazing; viewing the French Quarter along with all the old streets that surrounded it. However, the secret to New Orleans which nobody talked to me about was the ninth ward. This was a predominately black neighborhood that had been virtually left untouched after Hurricane Katrina. The economic injustice was clear to see; a whole neighborhood left the same devastated way nearly 10 years after the Hurricane hit, yet, a few hundred meters away, every single predominately white area had signs of repair and infrastructure implemented to it.

It made me physically sick to see that the colour of your skin, a simple genetic pigmentation could cause such injustice. This injustice had then influenced the employment, education opportunities and life outlook for these young African-American people.

If Kings ‘other side of America’ was untrue, I wouldn’t have experienced first-hand the social and economic injustice’s I saw. If equality existed beyond the colour of your skin, and economic justice would prevail, these young African-American boys and girls could grow up with the knowledge that their surroundings, their infrastructure and their lives would not be influenced by a simple birth right, but instead what they choose to do with their lives themselves on a level platform.

To conclude, a simple investment in the short term on the basic principle of equality will always profit a nation and area in the long run. This infrastructural investment upon an area, to offer the same starting place in life, should be every child’s birth right. The societal and economic statuses of these people would only benefit, as these areas would be rejuvenated and the people born and raised in these areas would seek college and employment without feeling discrimination from birth. Hatred is not born into anyone, it is instead a result of your surroundings – kick out these injustice’s means you kick out the hatred, and it results in an end to the social and economic divide America struggles with today.

Related Stories

Davenport University launches one-of-a-kind bilingual program

A Message from the President

Davenport University’s Excellence in Business Gala will feature CNN’s Anderson Cooper

More stories.

Davenport University introduces only cancer registry certificate program in Michigan

Nursing shortage triggers changes, Davenport University responds with flexibility

Davenport student overcomes incredible odds to earn her degree

No responses, want new davenpost stories delivered each month.

Students reflect on MLK's legacy in a CT essay contest. Here are some of the winners

Over 60 years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “ I Have a Dream ” speech from the Lincoln Memorial steps. Today, his vision of America still resonates in young Connecticut residents.

“I think we should all have dreams about what a better world could look like,” said 9-year-old Emma Hadari.

Hadari is one of fifteen winners in a statewide essay contest asking students to reflect on their own goals and King’s legacy. For the last eight years, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy has opened the contest to students in elementary, middle and high school.

Sabrina Guerra, 11, described in their winning essay how King’s work inspires them to bring equality to marginalized people. Guerra is an autistic non-speaker and an advocate for people with disabilities . “Writing about my lived experience is often painful, but the strength of change makers before me propels me onward,” Guerra shared.

Cooper Brown, 12, another 2023 essay winner, sees the holiday as a time for introspection. “MLK Day is really a day to reflect and think about the choices that we've made, the choices that we can make for the future to help inspire change,” Brown said.

In the contest, three submissions are chosen from each of the state’s congressional districts. The 2024 winning essays will be posted  online  on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Read some of the winning 2023 essays below:

Cooper Brown, 12

Working to make change is like riding a bike. Sometimes you are bruised, but what matters most is to keep pedaling forward.

'My dreams aren't for myself, but for others'

Bombed, battered and bruised he stood, but broken he was not. With wise words of inspiration to change, King said, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great of a burden to bear.” He was right. The burden of hate almost broke our bombed, battered, and bruised nation. Our bruise, the hate inflicted on this country, has turned into a scar forever marking our history.

Dr. King had a dream of hope, a dream of change. He inspired people of color to take action, he inspired me. Even from Birmingham jail he tried to inspire action. He inspires me to chase my dreams everyday despite challenges.

I dream of going to Yale, to become a public servant following in the footsteps of King. My dreams aren't for myself, but for others. As a politician, I want to fight for equality and uplift people who are struggling. That's why Dr. King’s mission has deep meaning to me, a kid trying to make a difference. At 9, I became student council president at my elementary school, learning of my election the same day President Biden learned about his.

A year earlier during COVID lockdown, I started my own mission. As a biracial American I wanted to give back to the community like MLK. The mission was to give bikes to kids who might go their whole childhood without a bike. I partnered with a non-profit collecting bikes around the Farmington Valley and organized giveaways in Hartford. Ironically, at the time I didn't know how to ride a two-wheel bike myself.

I started this project to be selfless. Selfless like King, who sacrificed his life to his mission. Working to make change is like riding a bike.

Sometimes you are bruised but what matters most is to keep pedaling forward.

Emma Hadari, 9

I have a dream that one day every school will feel safe, with no practice lockdowns, no school shootings, and gun-free neighborhoods with children playing together on every street and park.

'Take his message and keep going'

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tells people in his “I Have a Dream” speech to not judge others by the color of their skin, but to focus on their character. Racism was the focus of Dr. King's speech, but I think that we need to take his message and keep going.

These are some of my dreams: I have a dream that one day this country will hold this truth to be self-evident: that all men AND WOMEN are created equal.

I have a dream that one day on every playground in America, LGBTQ+ kids and straight kids will play together and hold hands on swings. I have a dream that one day every town in the U.S. will be transformed into a safe place for people with mental illness or disabilities.

I have a dream that all children will one day live in a nation where they won’t be judged by how rich or poor they are, but by how honest, kind, and loving they are.

I have a dream that one day boys and girls who come from other countries will be able to join hands with white boys and girls and feel like they really belong.

I have a dream today.

Sabrina Guerra, 11

My advocacy is a fire that burns within my damaged yet proud and beautiful soul.

'An inextinguishable flame for justice'

Martin Luther King Jr. aspired to bring peace and equality to oppressed people. I share this dream. I am of a marginalized group fighting for our right to be heard, the right to define ourselves, and the right to belong. I am an autistic non-speaker and I've been subjected to mistreatment and segregation because of prejudice and ignorance. Like MLK Jr., I have an inextinguishable flame for justice.

Ableism is a damaging force in society, destroying souls and sowing division. Ableism looms over America's education system, saturates our medical institutions, and shrouds our media. In my lived experience ableism usurped my right to an equal education.

MLK Jr. made history by a tireless campaign toward progress. He refused his challengers' insistence that he and his people patiently wait for justice. As was right and bold then, our revolution is now. Disabled voices must be amplified over those who have no authority to speak for us, define us, nor deny us access.

On countless occasions my mind has sailed to feats of unyielding courage of Martin Luther King Jr. and his peers. Many stinging, similar offenses and parallel dreams tie my aspirations to their journeys and leadership.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the MLK Scholars Program NYU Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Moriah Adeghe in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info. 

What’s Covered:

Approaching the prompt.

• Why You Should Do Your Research

Example Essay

The Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Scholars Program at New York University (NYU) has an extra essay with a 200-word limit. The prompt asks:

“In what ways have you enacted change in your community and what has been your motivation for doing so? This can include enacting change globally, locally, or within your family (200 words, optional).”

In this article, we go over the best ways to approach this essay and how to make yours unique. For more information on NYU’s other application essays, check out our post on how to write the NYU supplemental admissions essays .

The MLK Scholars Program is an NYU program dedicated to educating and empowering students to build an inclusive and civically engaged community of leaders. The prompt for the MLK Scholars’ essay is completely optional, so you only have to write this essay if you want to be a part of the program. 

This prompt is a generic, open-ended question that enables you to respond in many different ways.

As a general tip, your response to this prompt should not only express your interest in the program but also reflect the values that led you to apply. These should align with those of the MLK Scholars Program and how you’re committed to contributing to social justice both inside and outside your community. 

Why You Should Do Your Research  

Before you begin writing your response, you need to research Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his work, and his message thoroughly. This will help you understand which of your values are relevant, what you should highlight, and how you can align your essay with the values that he embodied. You want to prove to admissions officers that your values and characteristics align with the mission and spirit of the program. By doing your research, you can strategically position the experiences that you write about to show that you are the type of student the program is seeking. 

The ideal response to this prompt would include the following information: an experience that sparked your interest in social justice, an issue that you want to tackle, and how being an MLK Scholar will help you reach your future goals and how these goals align with the program’s mission. Including these three topics in your essay will demonstrate why you are a good candidate for the program.

A good way to brainstorm how you want your essay to sound is by reading other students’ essays for inspiration. The following essay was written by an MLK Scholars applicant who was accepted into the program.

“‘No! Por favor!’ I checked the clock. 10:30 a.m. and already the fourth time I’ve heard someone scream from Mr. Wilson’s office. When I accepted a summer internship as a law clerk, I never anticipated 90% of the cases would be deportation based. 

“Nearly every hopeful face I greeted with a smile on the way in, walked out with their head down and their cheek stained with tears. How foolish it was to think that I could make a positive impact on the world this summer when all I do is file paperwork as people’s lives are torn to pieces. While nowhere near the despair the deported clients felt, my personal frustration toward my helplessness manifested into resolve to fix this country’s immigration policies. Instead of working within the restraints of unjust laws, I plan to be leading discussions and writing the language that will help aspiring citizens, not punish them. 

“As an MLK Scholar, my ambitions will be fostered and hopefully blossomed into a reality. I’m eager to work with faculty that will aid my research on immigration policies and other nations during the first-year research seminar. Not only will I have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with immigration lawyers in the heart of New York City, but the program’s travel colloquia will perfectly allow me to get an up-close look at the immigration policies of the countries I researched. While my journey with immigration law had a disheartening beginning, the MLK Scholars Program will turn my dream of justice into a reality.”

The student established an emotional connection to the topic of social justice with their anecdote; they then explained what they hope to change about the world and what they plan to do at NYU to achieve this. This student’s drive and passion for social justice are exactly what admissions officers are looking for. They want students who will be leaders both on campus and beyond. This essay shows the student’s drive, passions, and how they believe that they will be able to make a difference and impact the problems that they are passionate about.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Read our research on: Gun Policy | International Conflict | Election 2024

Regions & Countries

How public attitudes toward martin luther king jr. have changed since the 1960s.

About eight-in-ten American adults (81%) say civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. has had a positive impact on the United States, according to a Pew Research Center report that comes ahead of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom . This majority includes nearly half of Americans (47%) who say King’s impact has been very positive. Just 3% say his impact on the country has been negative.

Sixty years after Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington, Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to determine how views of King have changed over time in the United States.

This analysis uses data from a 2023 Center survey as well as data from Gallup surveys conducted in May 1963, August 1964, May 1965, August 1966, May 1969 and August 2011. The Center survey polled 5,073 U.S. adults from April 10 to April 16, 2023. Everyone who took part is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. Address-based sampling ensures that nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the Pew Research Center survey questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and the survey methodology .

However, views of King haven’t always been so positive.

In May 1963, only about four-in-ten Americans (41%) had a favorable opinion of King, according to a Gallup survey . That included just 16% who viewed him highly favorably, rating him +4 or +5 on a scale of -5 (most unfavorable) to +5 (most favorable). The survey was conducted shortly after King’s Birmingham Campaign , which led the Alabama city to remove signs enforcing segregation of restrooms and drinking fountains and to desegregate lunch counters.

King’s favorable ratings remained about the same in Gallup surveys conducted in 1964 and 1965. But by August 1966, only a third of Americans had a favorable view of the civil rights leader. More than six-in-ten (63%) viewed him unfavorably, including 44% who viewed him highly unfavorably.

Gallup’s survey questions about King between 1963 and 1966 coincided with his civil rights work in a variety of areas:

• In August 1963, King delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington.
• In June 1964, he demanded equal treatment at a segregated Florida restaurant, an act that led to his arrest.
• In December 1964, he received the Nobel Peace Prize and pledged the full financial award to civil rights efforts.
• In March 1965, he led a civil rights march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital of Montgomery.
• In June 1966, he completed fellow civil rights leader James Meredith’s March Against Fear after Meredith was wounded by a White gunman.
• In August 1966, he was hit by a rock while marching through an all-White neighborhood in Chicago as part of the Chicago Freedom Movement. The movement sought to expand civil rights work to northern U.S. cities.

King was assassinated in April 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. Gallup did not ask Americans to rate King again until August 2011, when the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was officially dedicated in Washington, D.C. By then, views of King had changed dramatically, as 94% of Americans had a favorable opinion of him. Americans were also broadly supportive of the memorial: 91% approved of it and 70% were at least somewhat interested in visiting it, according to the Gallup survey.

Racial differences in views of King

Throughout the mid-1960s, Black Americans had much more favorable views of King than White Americans did. In the May 1963 Gallup survey, for example, 92% of Black Americans but only 35% of White Americans had a favorable opinion of the civil rights leader.

As more White Americans learned who King was over the next three years, a higher share of them viewed him unfavorably. Around four-in-ten White adults (41%) had an unfavorable view of King in May 1963 – a figure that rose to 69% by August 1966.

In 1969, Gallup asked Black adults in the U.S. whether they thought King’s beliefs about nonviolence had gained or lost support since his assassination a year earlier. About half of Black Americans (52%) said they thought King’s beliefs had lost support, while 30% said his beliefs had gained support.

By 2011, White Americans’ attitudes toward King had become much more positive. Fully 100% of Black adults and 93% of White adults had a favorable opinion of him, and majorities of both Black and White Americans (96% and 65%, respectively) had highly favorable views of him.

Views of racial equality after King

More than 40 years after King’s assassination, Americans were still divided on whether his dream of racial equality had been realized. In the 2011 Gallup survey, 51% of Americans said King’s dream had been realized, while 49% said it had not.

Pew Research Center’s new report, which uses survey data from April 2023, finds that Americans are similarly divided today about whether the U.S. has made progress on racial equality over the last 60 years.

About half of U.S. adults (52%) say that the country has made a great deal or a fair amount of progress, while 33% say it has made some progress and 15% say it has not made much or any progress. But Black Americans are more pessimistic: Just 30% say the U.S. has made a great deal or a fair amount of progress, compared with 58% of White adults. And 32% of Black adults say the country has made little or no progress, compared with 11% of White adults.

Note: Here are the Pew Research Center survey questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and the survey methodology .

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Fresh data delivered Saturday mornings

Striking findings from 2021

Public sees black people, women, gays and lesbians gaining influence in biden era, economy and covid-19 top the public’s policy agenda for 2021, 20 striking findings from 2020, our favorite pew research center data visualizations of 2019, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr. Volume I

Volume I begins with the childhood letters Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote to his mother and father.

A series of letters written while he was working at a summer job on a tobacco farm in Connecticut reveal his initial impressions of life outside the segregated South. A few years later, King would refer to this time as a crucial period in his religious evolution when he “felt and inescapable urge to serve society... in a sense of responsibility which I could not escape.”

As a teenager at Morehouse College, the young King initially planned to become a lawyer or physician rather than become a minister like his father. Greatly affected by the influence of Morehouse College’s president Benjamin E. Mays, King described his studies at Morehouse as “very exciting.” He persistently questioned literal interpretations of biblical texts and criticized traditional Baptist teachings. But by his senior year, he decided to follow his father’s “noble example” into the ministry. King’s continuing struggle to resolve his religious doubts is revealed in the essays and examinations written while he was at Crozer Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. The intensity of his search for a sense of theological certainty and the depth of his deliberations regarding his ultimate decision to accept his religious calling are clearly revealed. By the time he left Crozer, he had found new value in his early religious experiences and had reached enduring conclusions about his own faith.

Download Introduction to Volume 1 (pdf)

Chronology 

In this publication, crozer theological seminary placement committee: confidential evaluation of martin luther king, jr., by george w. davis.

Davis, George W. (Washington) (Crozer Theological Seminary) November 15, 1950

To Martin Luther King, Sr.

King, Martin Luther, Jr. January 18, 1940

More Publications

The papers of martin luther king, jr. volume ii, the papers of martin luther king, jr. volume iv, the martin luther king, jr., encyclopedia.

As we mark Martin Luther King Jr.'s tragic death, let's recommit to the fight for justice

I n the annals of civil rights history, April 4, 1968, marks a solemn day of reckoning. It was the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an icon of peace and justice, was tragically assassinated in Memphis at the Lorraine Motel, where the National Civil Rights Museum now stands.

As the Museum commemorates this pivotal moment, it’s imperative to reflect on Dr. King’s remarkable legacy and the enduring relevance of his vision for economic justice.

Dr. King was not supposed to be in Memphis in late March and early April of 1968.  He allegedly had a bigger calling in preparing for the Poor People’s Campaign .  But Dr. King recognized that the Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike was more than striking workers demanding better wages and working conditions; they were Black men asserting their dignity and seeking recognition of their humanity.  

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Dr. King’s commitment to economic justice extended beyond the Memphis strike. It found expression in his advocacy for a guaranteed annual Income — a radical idea aimed at eradicating poverty and uplifting the marginalized. This initiative was a central component of his Poor People’s Campaign, which sought to address the root causes of economic inequality. Dr. King understood that the United States could only reach its full potential if all individuals had access to basic necessities and economic security.

Guest column: National Civil Rights Museum is advancing Martin Luther King's economic justice mission

We have made progress, but still struggle with poverty

Fast forward to the present, and the echoes of Dr. King’s economic justice legacy reverberate through our society.

If Dr. King were alive today, I have no doubt that he would acknowledge many of the signs of progress that we can measure over the last 56 years. 

But without question, he would be disturbed by the unconscionable numbers who live in poverty in a nation of unparalleled wealth. 

He would call into question the inequities that exist in foundational areas like housing, health care, and education.

He would have the courage to challenge the power structure for the good of the people. 

He would still be willing to claim the sobering truth that power is wielded by those prioritizing profits over people.

Dismantle systemic barriers to economic equity

When Dr. King was speaking truth to power in April 1968, he reminded us all that we have the power to effect change. History has shown us that change is possible when we unite behind a common cause.

By exercising our right to vote and holding our elected officials accountable, we can demand resource allocation that reflects our moral priorities—a budget that prioritizes investments in education, healthcare, the environment, and infrastructure.

We can advocate for policies that uplift the marginalized and dismantle systemic barriers to economic equity.

As we commemorate Dr. King’s legacy, let us recommit ourselves to the fight for economic justice.

Let us honor his memory not just in words, but in deeds. Let us make our voices heard, make our vote count, and demand fiscal accountability that builds a future where economic justice is not just a dream, but a reality.

Dr. Russ Wigginton is president of the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: As we mark Martin Luther King Jr.'s tragic death, let's recommit to the fight for justice

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Martin Luther King — Rhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther King’s Historic Speech

Rhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther King's Historic Speech

• Categories: I Have a Dream Martin Luther King

About this sample

Words: 648 |

Published: Mar 6, 2024

Words: 648 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

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

Prof. Kifaru

Verified writer

• Expert in: Social Issues

+ 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

6 pages / 2628 words

1 pages / 545 words

1 pages / 434 words

2 pages / 851 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

On August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic speech, "I Have a Dream." The speech has since become one of the most famous and influential speeches in American [...]

Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement of the 1960s. On August 28th, 1963, he gave a speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. that has become known as one of the most [...]

The speech, "I Have a Dream," delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963, is a landmark address in American history. King gave this speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. during the March on Washington for [...]

During the mid-20th century, African Americans faced widespread discrimination and segregation in the United States. Two prominent figures, Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., emerged as influential leaders in the fight [...]

In the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. he explains the injustices happening all over the United States but especially in the city of Birmingham. King and his followers are preparing for direct [...]

Martin Luther King Junior stamps August the 28, 1963, as a historical landmark of equality for black Americans, ironically in the Lincoln Memorial. Not only does King proclaim equality, but the format in which his speech was [...]

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

• Election Results
• The Political Beat
• Latest Links
• Continuing Coverage
• Talking About Race
• Power Grid Security
• Black History in the Carolinas
• Streaming/Mobile Apps
• Newsletter Sign-up (Opens in new window)
• Severe Weather Resources
• Interactive Radar
• 7-Day Forecast
• Tracking the Tropics
• Hour by Hour
• Video Forecast
• School Closings
• Report Closings
• Closings Instructions
• WSOCTV Weather Apps
• Live Stream
• WSOC 24/7 News
• Weather 24/7
• NeighborhoodTV
• The $pend $mart Stream
• Law & Crime
• Curiosity NOW
• 9 Investigates
• Carolina Panthers
• Charlotte FC
• High School Football
• Black History Month
• Carolinas Get Real
• Priced Out Of Charlotte
• Mental Health Resources
• Faces of Pride
• Family Focus
• 9 Food Drive
• 9 School Tools
• Steves Coats
• 9 Crisis Help
• Carolina Strong
• COVID-19 Community Resources
• Back to School
• Steals and Deals
• Contests (Opens in new window)
• Advertise with Us
• Daily 2 Video
• Toyota of North Charlotte
• What's on Channel 9
• What's On TV64
• Closed Captioning
• Visitor Agreement
• Privacy Policy
• Celebrando la Herencia Hispana
• Programas de Telemundo
• Share Your Pics!

Martin Luther King Jr.: How the world heard the news of his assassination

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. FILEPHOTO: Caught in a somber mood, Dr. Martin Luther King addresses some 2,000 people on the eve of his death, giving the speech "I've been to the mountaintop." The former founder and Chairman of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was slain by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968. (Bettmann/Bettmann Archive)

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018 for the 50th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Jr. assassination.

April 4 marks the anniversary of the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

>> Read more trending news

King, the leader of the non-violent movement for civil rights in the 1960s, had come to Memphis the day before to help sanitation workers rally for better wages and safer working conditions.

That evening, as King stood on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel, he was mortally wounded by a bullet from a rifle believed to have been fired from a rooming house across the street from the Lorraine. King was hit in the jaw and knocked unconscious. He was pronounced dead at the St. Joseph’s Hospital about an hour later, having never regained consciousness.

Here is how the world learned and reacted to the news of King’s assassination:

What King said night before he was murdered:

King came to Memphis in early April 1968 to help striking sanitation workers in their protests for better wages and safer working conditions. On April 3, King addressed a gathering at the Mason Temple in Memphis. He said he did not feel well and did not want to go, but went anyway on the urging of his aides. King stood before the crowd and spoke extemporaneously for more than 40 minutes. The speech turned out to be prophetic, as King told those gathered he had “been to the mountaintop,” but that he may not “get there with you.” Here is that speech:

The obituaries

From the New York Times:

Martin Luther King Jr.: Leader of Millions in Nonviolent Drive for Racial Justice

“To many million of American Negroes, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the prophet of their crusade for racial equality. He was their voice of anguish, their eloquence in humiliation, their battle cry for human dignity. He forged for them the weapons of nonviolence that withstood and blunted the ferocity of segregation.

“And to many millions of American whites, he was one of a group of Negroes who preserved the bridge of communication between races when racial warfare threatened the United States in the nineteen-sixties, as Negroes sought the full emancipation pledged to them a century before by Abraham Lincoln.

“To the world, Dr. King had the stature that accrued to a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, a man with access to the White House and the Vatican; a veritable hero in the African states that were just emerging from colonialism.” (Click here to continue reading)

Riots follow killing of Martin Luther King Jr.

“Before darkness fell on this day, a Friday, the plumes of smoke from the West Side already were visible to Loop office workers. In Chicago and across the nation, rioting was breaking out in response to the news that Martin Luther King Jr. had been gunned down in Memphis the day before.” (Click here to continue reading)

Robert Kennedy breaking the news

On April 4, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was in Indianapolis, campaigning for the Democratic nomination for president when he was told of the assassination of King. His staff tried to dissuade Kennedy from going to speak to the crowd in a predominately Black neighborhood in the city, as news of riots were beginning to spread.

Kennedy insisted on going to the corner of 17th Avenue and Broadway and talking with the people gathered there. Kennedy began by breaking the news that King had been shot and killed, then called for calm and reminded those gathered that he, too, had had a family member killed and that his family member (his brother, John F. Kennedy) was killed by a white man.

Here is Kennedy’s speech that night:

President Lyndon Johnson’s response

Johnson was notified of King’s assassination as he readied for a trip to Hawaii. He postponed the trip, called King’s wife to offer condolences and declared April 7 a national day of mourning.

The front pages

To see how the world reacted to King’s assassination, click here.

From television:

Walter Cronkite on CBS

WSB radio tribute

King at the age of 6. (Handout)

• Biden visits Baltimore, tours collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Fortune names best companies to work for
• Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: Shipping channel expected to be partially open by end of April
• 15 things you may not know about earthquakes and where they happen
• 4.8 magnitude earthquake shakes NYC and beyond

© 2024 Cox Media Group

Venue’s permit suspended after health inspection

Coast Guard searching for man who jumped from cruise ship in front of his family

Class action lawsuit tied to plans to close Cabarrus County school

Search for missing Belmont man extends to Charlotte area

One hurt in stabbing at light rail station, MEDIC says

PERSPECTIVE article

Love matters: embracing love as the heart of higher education provisionally accepted.

• 1 Connecticut College, United States

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

This reflective essay explores the role of love in higher education through the lens of personal experiences, including confronting situations of tragedy and hopelessness as an educator.Drawing on the philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Baldwin, as well as insights from colleagues and students, I argue that love is not simply an emotional state but a transformative force capable of effecting meaningful, sustainable change. Love can serve as a vital element in pedagogical settings, providing a framework for justice, equity, and communal wellbeing. I offer several practical recommendations for educators to intentionally cultivate a culture of love in their interactions with students and colleagues. These range from self-care and setting boundaries to integrating love into course design and community building. The essay suggests that embracing love as an active force can provide a renewed sense of purpose, particularly in times of collective trauma and uncertainty. Further, it highlights that love can be the necessary counterforce to the challenges affecting both educators and students, ultimately serving as the cornerstone for transformative education. By fostering love in academic settings, we enable both individual and communal healing, enriching the overall educational experience.In the wake of global crises like pandemics, genocides, climate disaster, and political divisiveness, the essay asserts that love remains the enduring force that can empower us to build a more just and resilient community in higher education.

Keywords: Trauma, Transcending Higher Education, Equity & Justice, Action Love, Renewed Purpose, intergenerational healing, transformative education

Received: 30 Aug 2023; Accepted: 03 Apr 2024.

Copyright: © 2024 Imad. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Dr. Mays Imad, Connecticut College, New London, United States

People also looked at