A Time To Break Silence By Martin Luther King Jr.

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Speech on the Vietnam War, 1967
An astonishing and unforgettable speech, “A Time to Break Silence” was written by Martin Luther King Jr, on April 4, 1967, at the Riverside Church in New York City. Martin Luther King Jr. humbly expressed his perspective of the ongoing war between the United Sates and Vietnam. King directly states how the United Sates involvement is pointless and inhumane. In his significant speech, King attempted to persuade his audience in hopes of influencing peace.
Martin Luther King Jr was motivated for writing this speech for a number of reasons. The civil rights leader believed America was losing focus on real issues that were hitting home. Specifically, rehabilitation efforts for the poor, which affects both black and …show more content…

This speech is a true example of the obstacles America has faced and conquered. This also displays the many disadvantages African Americans had to go through. During the 1960s Civil rights was a major issue that was taking place in the U.S and Martin Luther King Jr. was a key factor in bring equality for all races. For example, in 1964 the Nobel Peace Prize was given to Martin Luther King in recognition of his efforts of slowly bringing change. . In lines 84-87 Martin states, “And I cannot forget that the Nobel Peace Prize was also a commission, a commission to work harder than I had ever worked before for the brotherhood of man. This is a calling that takes me beyond national allegiances”. This prize was a historic moment for African Americans indeed and a reminder that peace wins through it all.
Summing it up, Martin Luther King Jr. Vietnam speech was an attempt to persuade America to end the senseless violence that we created. . In lines 316-318 MLK states, “In order to atone for our sins and errors in Vietnam, we should take the initiative in bringing a halt to this tragic war”. This speech was Martins plea to America to end the war and bring peace to

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