Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., A Political Icon

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There are a select few individuals who have come variously to be called "great" or "brilliant" because they and their accomplishments have forever changed society and the world. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of those individuals. Martin Luther King's contributions to history place him in this inimitable position. One of the great figures in the march of human history, Martin Luther King Jr., like Gandhi before him, lived by a heroic credo of non-violence. More than two decades since his death, Martin Luther King ideas; his call for racial equality, his faith in the ultimate triumph of justice, and his insistence on the power of nonviolent struggle to bring about a major transformation of American society- are as vital and timely as ever. Many seek a leader that can provide assurance to their lives. Martin Luther King's dream became that beacon of hope to African Americans and everyone seeking equality and justice. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired people throughout the world to strive for the ideals of equality and non-violence; ideals to which he dedicated his life. He dreamed of a world blind to the lines of color and he worked unceasingly and peacefully to obtain that goal. His peaceful resistance was inspired by Mohandas Gandhi, who led the peaceful struggle for India's independence from Great Britain (Cone, 1969). Like his mentor, Gandhi, he believed in expressing your feeling in peaceful ways. Dr. King's one mission was to improve race relations for all people regardless of color through non-violent means. Dr. King was beaten, arrested and in constant danger yet he refused to give up on his dream that all men would be treated equal (Cone, 1969). With his constant pursuit for civil rights, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ... ... middle of paper ... ... Luther King Jr., a great freedom fighter died on April 4, 1968 in pursuit of bettering the lives of his people on total freedom (Lewes, 1970). Since his death things have changed in many ways. In the 39 years he was on this planet, he has changed the way people perceive blacks and has made America a better place. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left a strong legacy today giving a platform to all for peace and equality. Bibliography: Cone, James H. Black Theology and Black Power. New York: Seabury Press, 1969. King, Coretta Scott, ed. The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr. New York: Newmarket Press, 1983. Lewis, David L. King: A Critical Biography. New York: Fraeger Publisher, Inc., 1970. N/A "Martin Luther King." NobelPrize. 1964. 9 Nov. 2006 . Schwartz, Davis. "A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." Long Island University. June 1998. 9 Nov. 2006 .

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