I Have a Dream

The following photo is taken during the iconic speech delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963.  Over a quarter of a million supporters witnessed from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as Martin Luther King Jr. called for to end racism in the United States in his “I Have a Dream” speech.  This event was a defining moment in the American Civil Rights Movement.  Racism has been a major issue in the United States of America since its foundation and even more so since slaves from Africa were imported to America.  There are several important figures throughout history who openly opposed the idea of racism.  Abraham Lincoln though a controversial president during the time of his reign is praised by modern scholars for his efforts to end slavery and racism throughout United States.  Rarely in history was there a black man courageous enough to step up and demand freedom and equality throughout the country.  In the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King Jr. made references to the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.  King believed that the quote “All men are created equal” written by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence have yet to be achieved in the southern states of America.  King also made references to the efforts of Abraham Lincoln to abolish racism in United States.  King mentioned during the early parts of his speech how the racism was still a major factor in the United States.  Perhaps the most influential part of the speech is towards the end where Martin Luther King Jr. states various aspects of life where he hopes to change.  Among the most quoted lines of the speech, include "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream today”.  The reason why this speech was so important during the civil rights movement was that it was witnessed by over a quarter of a million people and it was a major turning point in the American Civil Rights Movement.  Although United States still suffers from racism throughout history, the iconic “I have a dream” speech has certainly decreased the amount of racism suffered by colored individuals throughout America.

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