Student Article
Martin Luther King’s Dream: The Speech That Changed America
Activist (noun): Someone who works to make change happen, usually concerning something they care strongly about.
Anaphora (noun): Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
Patriotism (noun): Loving your country and being proud of it.
On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood in Washington, D.C., and gave one of the most powerful speeches in American history: “I Have a Dream.” He was speaking at the March on Washington, which brought together 250,000 people — Black and white — asking for jobs and freedom. The event was peaceful and well-organized. People gathered near the Lincoln Memorial, a special place in U.S. history.
Was King a civil rights leader?
By 1963, King was famous for leading peaceful protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Birmingham Campaign. Many white Americans thought he was the leader of the civil rights movement. But within the movement, some thought he wasn’t radical enough. Some activists, like Malcolm X, believed King was too friendly with the government.
Why was the location important?
King gave his speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Abraham Lincoln had helped end slavery 100 years earlier. King reminded people of this history when he said, “Five score years ago,” copying Lincoln’s style. He wanted his words to feel important and connected to American values.
What did he say?
King used powerful words and images. He said the U.S. government had made a promise to give freedom to all but hadn’t kept it for Black people. He warned that change had to come or more protests would follow. Still, he told people to stay peaceful and believe in justice and love. Partway through, he stopped reading and began to preach from the heart, sharing his dream of unity: that children of all races could live and play together.
Why is it still famous?
King used a style called “anaphora,” repeating phrases like “Now is the time” and “Let freedom ring.” His speech was shown on live TV and even around the world by satellite. It mixed faith, patriotism, and hope. Even though it didn’t bring instant change, it helped push forward the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
King's legacy
Today the speech is remembered as a symbol of hope and equality. But King’s later speeches became more radical as he called out poverty and war, especially in Vietnam. Still, most people remember the dreamer of 1963.
© Professor Robert Cook / www.historyextra.com
Activist (noun): Someone who works to make change happen, usually concerning something they care strongly about.
Anaphora (noun): Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
Patriotism (noun): Loving your country and being proud of it.