Complexities of Dr. Martin Luther King Essay - 1254 Words

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s impact on the civil rights movement was nothing short of monumental. To say anything less may be considered sacrilege in the history of the United States. King’s liberal and Christian upbringing, comfortable and educated childhood, and his theological education all played a large part in his contributions to civil rights in America. Perhaps one of his most sustained acts was his ability to represent the plight of African American rights while simultaneously portraying a palatable character to White America. In addition to leading various civil disobedience campaigns, he served as the movement’s main â€Å"strategist, theorist, and symbol maker† while also becoming the â€Å"movement’s chief interpreter to white†¦show more content†¦Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.† In just these few short sentences, the overall impetus of King’s belief structure is outlined. Obviously, whole books have been and continually are written about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s theological belief structure, so much so that this small overview can hardly do it justice. With that said, it is my firm belief King’s theological understanding, and his love for a â€Å"radical† Jesus, are the foundational tenets and perhaps his most enduring con tribution to the civil rights struggle. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s influence on the civil rights movement, and his personal beliefs, were in fact flexible. From 1955 to 1968, King experienced a variety of shifts in his public actions. This, of course, seems understandable and quite natural. As with anyone’s beliefs on a subject, they are constantly being challenged, reinforced, and reinvented. MLK was not expectation. What originally started out as legal challenges to Jim Crow laws, during the beginning of King’s involvement, eventually evolved to include poverty in America, housing discrimination, and an anti-Vietnam/anti-war stance. In fact, King started to shift from historical civil rights reforms to more local and urban campaigns. Above all though, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s involvement always held true to his Christian beliefs, as â€Å"his activism was motivated by a deep faith in God that wasShow MoreRelatedReflection About Martin Luther King1874 Words   |  8 Pageswork of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to correspond to that interpretation fully. However, rather than him learning how to master the skills outlined in the Kouzes and Posner text, I believe that Dr. King was born with leadership skills. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose actual birth name was Michael King, later would adopt the name Martin Luther honoring the memory of the German Protestant leader Martin Luther was born January 15, 1929. He was born in rural Atlanta, Georgia, to Michael King, Sr. theRead MoreRadio Free Dixie1505 Words   |  7 Pagesbook: Radio Free Dixie: Robert F. Williams and the Roots of Black Power, Tyson details the life of a remarkable man who had the audacity not only to challenge racial injustice in America but also to contest the rarely disputed strategies of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Establishment. Tyson uses Williams life to illustrate his central thesis: how both the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement emerged from the same roots, confronted similar predicaments, and ultimately wereRead MoreDr. Martin Luther King s Leadership Essay2136 Words   |  9 Pagesworld. Dr. Martin Luther King in my opinion is one of these few leaders. Martin Luther King’s addition to history has put him in a special position that is not easy to replicate in today’s world. Martin Luther King always preached in opposition to hate and anger and was often quoted saying, â€Å"There is another way†¦ as modern as Gandhi saying through Thoreau, that ‘non‑cooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good.’† (Forbes.com, 2014) Throughout the life of Martin LutherRead MoreThe History Of The United States Is Marred With Instances1249 Words   |  5 Pagesof the United States is marred with instances of racial injustice and discrimination. It was out this sordid history rose Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the African-American Civil Rights Movement. An eloquent King used his right to free speech and to peaceful assembly to bring light to the oppressive system of injustice, racism and discrimination affecting people of color. King and the civil rights movement may have brought about several changes and needed awakening, however, many of the problemsRead Moreimpact of martin luther king on civil rights3162 Words   |  13 PagesHow much impact did Martin Luther King have in changing civil rights for black Americans? Eyes on the Prize, American’s Civil Rights years, 1954-1965, Juan Williams Eyes on the Prize, Juan Williams On the bus boycott â€Å"When the trial of the boycott leaders began in Alabama, the national press got its first good look at Martin Luther King Jr., the first defendant. Four days later, King was found guilty. The sentence was a $500 fine and court costs, or 386 days of hard labour. The judge explained thatRead MoreI Know Why The Caged Bird Can Not Read Essay1661 Words   |  7 Pagesauthors, is favored over complexity. This will likely offend some readers of Prose’s essay, due to English class being one of the better outlets for young people to discuss race and gendered issues in an inviting and supportive environment. Prose certainly is not trying to say that less diversity is good for the education of students. Her issue is that it is prioritized over the teaching of character depth. It is important for students to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. â€Å"Letter from BirminghamRead MoreOne Of The Best Speeches - I Have A Dream3032 Words   |  13 Pagesup, there will also come more challenges. In Martin Luther King’s speech I Have a Dream, he was able to express the way he feels toward having the dream that one day everyone shall be united as one. By using repetition in the power of words, dedication and hard work, and other variables thrown in the mix of the speech, King was able to empower the people to make a stand and fight for the opportunity of equality and freedom. Keywords: Martin Luther King, I Have a Dream, speeches, 1963, Civil rightsRead MoreEssay Life and Work of Martin Luther King Jr.2061 Words   |  9 PagesMartin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights activist from the 1950’s to 1968 with a strong religious background. A strong advocator for all minorities, King did all in his power to end barriers of community; poverty, racism and militarism. The principle he focused more on, however, was racism. King defined racism as prejudice, apartheid, ethnic conflict, anti-Semitism, sexism, colonialism, homophobia, ageism, or discrimination against disabled groups and stereotypes. Later turning his efforts toRead MoreThe Tale Of The 4 Train985 Words   |  4 Pagesas â€Å"historic staircases that link parallel roads separated by steep hills† (Wall). These long steep staircases that leave you going towards other major avenues in the West Bronx such as University Avenue-Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard. Unfortunately just like ot her streets named after Dr. King, it reveals a struggling communities and poor conditions that does reflect MLK’s legacy (Assefa). The stairs on Jerome Avenue have rest areas on every landing, and you can typically find two things trashRead MoreThe Letter From Birmingham Jail Essay1773 Words   |  8 Pages On April 12, 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr. composed one of his most famous letters in a Birmingham jail addressing eight prominent Alabama clergymen. This letter known as The Letter from Birmingham Jail has become one of the most important works in the fields of theology and ethics since its composition. In the following essay, I will attempt to provide a brief illustration of the intellectual landscape that King developed over his short life as well as touch major influential experiences that contributed