Below is the television broadcast of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech on Aug. 28, 1963, at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Here's the link to the transcript of the speech: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
Please watch and review the transcript of the speech, paying close attention to parts of the speech that connect with our discussion in class about the founding of the United States and framing of the Constitution.
After watching and reading the transcript, return here and add your comments. What's your reaction? What parts did you like and/or dislike? Is the speech relevant today? Why or why not? Did the speech make you think of anything going on in current events?
A reminder to please include your first name, last name initial and class (MW, or 11 a.m. TTh, or 2 p.m. TTh).
I look forward to reading your comments.
55 comments:
Brianna R.
11 am TTh
Every time I hear this speech, I get chills down my spine. The speech means so much to me as an American and an African American. The speech reminds me of all the struggles that our nation has faced to get to where we are today. I loved the entire speech and how MLK Jr. incorporated the Declaration of Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, and his religion. I also liked the fact that MLK rejected gradualism, a belief that many African Americans before him believed in. Most certainly, this speech is relevant today, because it demonstrates that change is not going to happen unless you(the people) make an effort to try and fix it. Relating this speech to today's current events makes me think about the continual struggles and progress of homosexuals (ex. Proposition 8), African Americans (ex. Trayvon Martin case and marches), immigrants and so much more.
The words alone carry a strong significance, but the way in which they’re delivered on top of that? No question about it, this is certainly a powerful speech. It’s fortunate that we’re able to see this today and reflect upon it. Rather than just reading the words, we’re actually able to experience the emotion accompanying their deliverance. If only we could watch videos of Lincoln and Washington today and reflect in the same manner.
One of the things I love about this speech, next to the raw power of it, is his check analogy. MLK wording the denial of freedom as a check coming back marked, “insufficient funds,” is brilliant.
In terms of relevance, I say this speech is definitely relevant today. Any event which has significantly shaped contemporary society will always be relevant, as it would be impossible for us to stand in our current place without it. Even if something directly relevant isn't occurring, the event continues to rest in the back of our minds, influencing every decision we make.
What this speech, and overall march, makes clear to me today is that we, as in the people, don’t take strides like this anymore. When Occupy Wall Street began two years ago, I immediately thought of the 1960’s and the protests of the time. People seemed to go to great lengths to fight for their rights. Many were jailed for it and some were even killed. I’m not saying violence is the only way for voices to be heard, I’m merely pointing out that the will of the people was stronger 50 years ago.
Whether it’s a struggle to find supporters of a cause or the inability to implement an effective strategy, a lack of motivation is without doubt a critical factor in the halt of societal progress today. As MLK pointed out, 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation and freedom was still questionable. 50 years later and issues still exist that should have been put to bed decades ago.
From a pure historical standpoint though, this speech reminds me of President Kennedy’s final address at the Hotel Texas in Fort Worth, given just hours before he was killed. In that address, Kennedy called our world, “dangerous and uncertain.” While it may be uneasy to think about, these words, of course, still ring true today.
Perhaps if we took the time to reflect on the thoughts of these influential figures more often, maybe we could actually figure out how to resume progress.
- Glen T.
TTH 2:00 p.m.
Well obviously Dr. King's words cut like a knife. I feel that his speech will always be relevant to present day problems.
It seems as though that no matter how far we have come as a country we still find a way to discriminate others for what they are.
Right now, America is still struggling with accepting gays and gay marriages. It's basically the same issue all over again. Gays rally their rights to get married and to not be judged for who they love. I hate how people bring in religion as the reason for those to not be married because when you take that one factor out, you're basically telling people that as a human being you cannot love another person and dedicate a life to them for reasons that don't affect a non gay person. It's interesting to see how our country to trying its best to be more accepting of gay marriage. Nonetheless, several people are still having a hard time with accepting such a notion.
I think that America as a whole in the same phase of acceptance as we were 50 years ago.
--Taylor Wood
TTH 11am
Erika H. MW class:
My reaction is uplifting, hopeful and some sadness because we are still not learning from our mistakes and events in the past but there is some hope for progress to move more quickly politically and socially in the community. I liked the part in the speech were Martin Luther King mentions of acting now and lift up from injustice. The one thing I don’t like that of the speech is that when it states, “With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.” This quote shows that even now in 2013; no one group of individuals will ever be free. Knowing that we will be free one day is a melancholy feeling that equal treatment is still being fought. The speech is relevant today because we are still are dealing with states denying marriages to gays and limiting women’s reproductive and health rights. In other countries, women are not represented in their society and do not have equal rights. Martin Luther King’s speech ‘I Have A Dream’ will always be an inspiration for change.
This speech is amazing. Its content is moving in itself, but the delivery leaves me speechless and reflecting on our culture now.
The whole speech is great, but I particularly liked the comparison of the rights to a check that had not been cashed yet and the nation being "bankrupt" because it won't follow through on its promise made in the Constitution.
Probably the worst part about the speech is realizing how little some things have changed. That's what makes it so relevant to today.
So many people still struggle to accept the differences that make people unique so many years later. Right now, gay rights are a struggle to get because people cannot accept the different way of living, even if it has no effect on them personally. I think someone (or a group) will always be fighting for something, no matter how many times the nation accepts something new, because there will always be something that is different from the normal.
-Julianna H.
MW 3:30 p.m.
This remains a timeless example of the hope that a speech is capable of inspiring. I agree with the previous blogger's comment that the content itself is incredible and the delivery is impeccable. That being said, I couldn't help noticing that while President Obama's speech at the memorial was eloquent, it was not even the focal point of the event. They had to pull in a bunch of celebs to boost attendance. It makes me wonder what type of reception Martin Luther King Jr. would have if he gave this iconic speech today.
-Marissa L.
T/TR 2PM
Alexandra H. MW
Truthfully, my very first reaction when first clicking on the video was surprise at how long it was. Growing up, you only hear the final minutes of the speech. It was fascinating hearing King describe the struggles African Americans have faced and ways the country has treated them wrong. I suppose this part of the speech isn't as well known because it isn't quite as uplifting as the powerful and optimistic ending. And isn't that what people today would rather hear? They don't want to be reminded of the countries previous ways of "bitterness and hatred", but the ideas of peace and hope.
This speech is still relevant today as race is still a hot button issue and consistently misrepresented in today's media. People's rights are much more equal today then they were at the time the speech was given, but the ethical ideals it supports are ones that will always need to be strived for.
I had never watched this speech in its full length before today. All I can say is wow. The way he uses his words have such an impact. I love his use of analogies and metaphors.
My very favorite line from his speech is when he says "In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred."
This speech is still relevant today because there are still so many injustices that go on. And the way to "fight" injustice is not the way of violence. And having bitterness and hatred does not make it any better. It makes me think of what's going on with the LGBT community, or what has always gone on with different religions. If Martin Luther King Jr. was alive today I believe he would still be doing speeches like this and standing up for justice.
Oops forgot to add my class time!
Lacey V. (TTh 11:00)
This is such a powerful and well-organized speech. I love all of the metaphors Dr. King uses to describe the injustices that African-Americans were facing. It helps to make the Constitution more relatable to lawmakers and citizens, I think. My favorite line is still, “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.” That is such a powerful statement that people should be judged by the content of their character and not skin color. It seems so obvious but yet needed to be said to remind people that is what really matters. I think the speech is still extremely relevant. So many civil rights issues have to do with people being judged unfairly by others for things that have nothing to do with their characters or their actions but simply for skin color, ethnicity, social status, who they love, etc. I immediately think of LGBT issues and of course the shooting of Trayvon Martin. I also think of people who have been unfairly incarcerated and faced death penalty due unfair judgment based on unfair biases. Obviously there is still a lot of progress that needs to be made in terms of treating people fairly but this speech provides lessons that are still applicable today.
Divya Darsi, TTH 11:00 am
I love MLK's "I have a Dream Speech" and the significance of it. MLK is truly inspiring and his words are of nothing more but pure justice and humanity. It's hard for me to accept that it took the United States until the 1960s to have equality for men and women regardless of race.
However, I still don’t believe everyone has equal rights; I’m of course talking about Gay Rights in the United States. I’m not Gay, but I fully support it and believe ALL people should be entitled to freedom and equality. Black, white, Latino, Asian, straight, Gay, Lesbian, we are all human beings here and there should be equality for all.
Sergio G.
T/TR 2PM
The first thing that really struck me was the sense of importance felt by the crowd and communicated by Dr. King. There seems to be this feeling, or knowledge, that this moment marked a precious and climactic time, after which things would have to change. It is almost palpable that the nation was pregnant with change; that the civil unrest was so great, the nation’s former landscape of segregation would no longer be tolerated. There is an overwhelming atmosphere of empowerment and passion that Dr. King eloquently translates into this speech. He does so in a way that not only resonates with his immediate crowd, but in a way that compels his viewers (even those watching years later) to feel as though they are participants in a pivotal demonstration who are helping to usher in a new era of civil progress. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that there is no trivializing this moment. Dr. King’s words coupled with the historical context of his speech are powerfully emotive. It requires enormous passion and talent to construct a series of words that have the power to mobilize an entire nation and to effectively change the course of history.
The speech is undeniably captivating. When I listened to it, I had both a tremendous visceral and intellectual response. Stylistically, it is poetic. Dr. King infuses the speech with metaphors and parallelisms. The composition of his words is part of what makes them so compelling. I particularly like the line, “It would be fatal for our nation to overlook the urgency of the moment.” The times necessitate a push towards justice. He is entreating America to live up to its claims. He is calling the country out. His words force the nation to examine the contradiction between America’s avowed ideals and its actual behavior, “to live out the true meaning of its creed.”
It is a little crazy to think that this was only several decades ago. Sometimes we are so tempted to think we have come so far, without realizing how far we have yet to come. We as a nation cannot say we have attained equality and acceptance for all men and women. A relevant and proximate illustration of this is the recent Supreme Court decision to nullify enforcement of the Voting Rights Act. Despite the disparate impact of new voter ID regulations, and the lack of evidence that voter fraud (the espoused motivation for these regulations) is a problem worthy of any attention, politicians are striving to take actions to disenfranchise people. Why wouldn’t we want EVERYONE to vote? Isn’t this the fulcrum on which our democracy operates?
Other current events involving the concept of equality include the Trayvon Martin case and the developing gay rights issues. Equality is very much a part of the conversation, which is why this speech is still so moving.
Ashley U. T/TH @ 2p
This excerpt stood out to me-
"But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice."
I sense a feeling of apathy among my peers about the corruption that won't go away in Washington DC. We seem to have accepted that 'justice is bankrupt' and that there may be 'insufficient funds of opportunity in this nation.' These are inspiring words from MLK to rise above tough circumstances. We all have a 'check to cash' and it is important to not waste this gift and opportunity we have as Americans.
-Frank M. M/W 330-450
Leah K. MW 3:30-4:50
In listening to the "I Have A Dream Speech" I have a few different favorite parts, mind you, I have never seen the full video of the speech.
First, just to see the mass of people gathered around the Lincoln Memorial is absolutely breathtaking. I think to myself, "I wonder if that many people would come to hear someone speak if that were happening now."
Second, I loved how he would call out all the states and how he hopes for them to change out of their negative ways and into positive ones.
Thirdly, toward the end of the speech he starts to get more and more excited with his open arms and singing, "Let freedom ring, let freedom ring!" It reminds me of how fortunate we are as a nation to of had someone to think and act the way he did and create such a revolution.
Thank you
I, like many of my classmates, had only seen a few minutes of this speech. Teachers from grade school to high school always showed the same five minute clip. Listening to the speech in its entirety has a much greater impact.
We have come a long way since 1963, but we still have SO much progress to make. The LGBT community is still fighting like hell to be able to marry the people they love, a right that most of us take for granted. Women are fighting for equality and the right to control what happens to their bodies. Minorities of all kinds are still struggling to achieve equality and I hope that it doesn't take another 50 years for the citizens of the United States to realize that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness aren't rights that citizens of this country should have to fight for.
Kendall H.
MW 3:30
Dr. King's speech leaves me with goosebumps. I feel like it is still relevant today because of the ongoing plight of the LGBT community for equality in the United States.
David J (MW 3:30)
MLK’s I Have a Dream speech is definitely one of my most favorite speeches of all time. This speech not only helped African Americans but all Americans. For the first time ever at that point everybody felt that equality between all could become a reality. This not only shows the true nature of the 1st amendment back then but also today. This theme of equality is greatly reinforced by the varying cultures that are in colleges today, since back in the day of King’s speech, the only people who were allowed to go to certain schools were rich, white people. This speech was one of the stepping blocks to integration not just in the school system, but in everyday life.
Jeffrey S. (TTH 11 AM)
Although I have heard this speech many times growing up, I have never heard the entire speech of "I Have a Dream," by Martin Luther King Jr.
In my opinion, this speech was very well-written and spoke with lots of truth,
My favorite line from the speech was, "And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice." Martin Luther points out that in the Declaration of Independence all men would be guaranteed unalienable rights of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." As we know, that wasn't the case, because black men weren't included. Martin wanted to make a point, a change in hopes of creating a better life for black men and women, so that everyone could be equal.
With Martin's warm and uplifting spirit, his dream was able to turn into a reality. Although there is still racism on-going in today's society, there has been a huge change since the 1960's, and I am forever grateful for his courageous act.
Amy P.
T/TH @ 11 am
I have never heard his speech all the way through, so to hear it for the first time is so amazing. They way he uses his words has impacted so many people's lives, in the past and present. This speech has lived on and will continue to do so. His words will forever be spoken and the speech will always be talked about. I actually read somewhere that he received a C in public speaking at a school, so to watch this video and hear his words makes me think that that might be wrong. I think everyone could learn something from him. What an amazing person he was.
Kaleigh K
TTH 11a.m.
The first thing I thought of when I played the video was this was, and is a huge day! In the first few seconds alone you can see that! It is absolutely beautiful. When I listened to the speech I noticed he brought so much poetry to his language. He speaks of metaphoric "chains" and "crippled by the manacles of segregation." I really liked how he used references from both the Bible and the Declaration and Independence, the two most powerful words of equal rights that man refer to. I think the speech will always be relevant because it is such a powerful speech. There will always be people out there that are racist and because this speech talks about the free man and equality it will be a reference to americans in history and forever like the Declaration of Independence.
MW 3:30-4:50
Ivania Garcia
When I was in fourth grade I took a very strong liking to black history. I would read books on people like MLK and Rosa Parks and even events such as the I Have a Dream speech. Even when I was younger I found it very moving and meaningful. I understood that if it wasn't for MLK and all of the other people who had fought for Civil Rights, I would not be were I am today. Of course, as a child I did not understand whether or not a lot of racism still existed. M being a young Hispanic who spent her first eight years of her life in a Dallas public school, I got judged a lot for being Hispanic and having immigrant parents. I didn't realize until middle school that I was moved to a better school district in the suburbs because Dallas ISD kept wanting to put young latino children together even if they didn't need English as a Second Language courses.
I'm happy things have changed in this country but we still have a lot of work left. I am happy to say I have friends of many ethnicity's and cultures and am proud to my have my rights.
After reading the speech for the first time (not just listening), I was emotional. This comes as no surprise to me as I get emotional with anything regarding inequality. As a Hispanic, I have never understood how someone can look at the color of another, and immediately judge.
A part of MLK's speech that caught my attention while reading the transcript is the check metaphor. He refers to African Americans as being provided with insufficient funds. This is a relatable metaphor to all Americans, because we all deal with money at some point, and we all care about our personal rights defined in the First Amendment. What a smart move on MLK's part.
What's great about this speech is its relevancy. MLK addresses major issues on diversity of any kind, so his inspiring words can encourage anyone fighting for any type of equality.
Personally, it made me think of the current international fight for gay rights. As a sister of a lesbian in the San Diego community, I am inspired by the improvements California has made. However, MLK's words could help the weary fighting for equality in a conservative state like Texas.
Brittany A.
TTH 11a.m.
This speech like many have already noted really gives me chills every time I hear it. I've heard it a number of times in different classes from high school to college.
Dr. King is an exceptional public speaker and engaged his audience and captivated effectively with his words. Many of the points he talked about, show a direct connection with the way our constitution was formed.
The most famous line, I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." Is a prime example of a reference to our constitution. Every great speech, article, research sites other sources and that's the same thing Dr. King did.
Alisha E.
T/TR 2PM
Kara Thayer
T TH 11
I feel like this speech is timeless. We can take something away from this no matter how our society has evolved. I find this to be a fascinating piece of literature that will forever not only be a part of history, but part of how we as people can grow and change for the better of our nation.
Lindsay S. TTH 2 p.m.
My reaction is that the speech is extremely compelling. I liked and disliked at the same time the part about not being satisfied. I think that to an extent that is great, but on another hand, trying to be greater than anybody else based on ethnicity is wrong and not being satisfied with equality is unfair. The speech is relevant today because racism still exist even if it is less extreme than during the time of this speech and before.
(Kayla, B. 2 p.m. TTh)
I think this coming together was absolutely one of the greatest demonstrations for freedom in the history of our nation. MLK brings up both the Constitution and Declaration of Independence and says that America has promised everyone life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But he says this is not true for people of different colors, that America has not kept its promise. MLK’s “I have a dream” restates the basic fundamentals that America was founded upon. I think the speech is relevant to today because there is still discrimination among all people, including gender, race, and for simple beliefs. For example, many places of work still treat women as if they do not posses the same qualities as men, that they will always be bigger, smarter, and better than women, especially in the work force.
First, I would like to point out that I feel our education system is all out of whack. I can recite the First Amendment verbatim, but I'm a 22 year old senior on course to graduate in December and this is the first time I've listed to "I Have a Dream" in its entirety. Priorities.
I think the part of the speech where MLK Jr states his inalienable rights is extremely crucial. We hear it all the time, but we don't actually appreciate its value. MLK Jr felt the need to mention life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness because he obviously felt one or all of these had been violated by government AND society in America.
I also don't think the fact that Yates V US tried in 1957 should be overlooked. This court decision deciphered the difference between calling to action and teaching abstract doctrine. Although MLK was a peaceful man, I think the speech he made with the rallying of people was controversial in this era (1963). I'm sure many people would have liked to spin this speech into some kind of abstract doctrine had Yates not declared in constitutional less than a decade prior, already creating common law.
Two big quotes also stick out to me: "ALL men are created equal" and "children will not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character." I think these compliment our two judicial review cases perfectly, especially Brown V Board of Education (1954). This was a fight all the way to the USSC just to give innocent children equal opportunity to learn and advance in a society white man created for them to fail in.
Jenny L; MW
I absolutely love this speech. Martin Luther King, Jr. has such a powerful voice that his message spread the nation. Even as a preacher, he didn't push the word of God into people's heads, he simply spoke the truth and the evils within the nation at the time. His speech is relevant to us today, because everyone has a dream. We are all granted equal opportunities and for some to be treated unfairly is just not right.
Cori Bobbett TTH 2 p.m.
This speech is so powerful! I love the symbolism that he uses, the check that promises inalienable rights. The way he can relate what he says to every single person in that audience is amazing. This speech is relevant today because everyone "has a dream," everyone hopes to find unbiased situations. We are a "free country," but in reality all slaves for money. All the prices are going up and not every vote counts, so it's like we really don't have a say.
This speech is absolutely amazing and inspiring. From his voice to his actual speech, it was all just so powerful and moving. I love reading this speech each year and it brings tears every year. As a person who thinks everyone should be treated equally and fairly no matter your skin color, race or ethnicity, his speech is means so much. I love how that he just connects with everyone with this speech. It made you want to go out and make a change. His speech will be forever relevant because we all have a dream. Also because some topics he bring up in his speech still go on today in society. Some of my favorite quotes from this speech are "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." and "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." I love how he also included the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. I seriously think everyone needs to see/hear/read this speech because it's just so inspiring and powerful.
- June L.
2 p.m. TTh
I absolutely love this speech. I studied this speech in my "American Speeches" class here at Texas State and I have concurred that this speech is always relevant so long as there is any sort of prejudice. My favorite part of the speech is when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. relates America's injustice to African Americans as a bank reference. "In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the 'unalienable Rights' of 'Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.' It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked 'insufficient funds.'" To me, this is the most important section of this speech. He talks about our two most important documents and relates America's injustice to something most Americans can understand. This helps to grasp his audience, help them understand their situation, and even make them laugh. To this day there are still prejudices with race, gender, and sexual orientation. The progress of the nation against prejudice has greatly improved but it has not squandered. I believe as time goes on and we begin to become more open with people's preferences prejudice will be little factor that will eventually become a non factor.
- Olivia Garcia
TTH 2:00pm
I get goosebumps listening to this speech. I would like to think I would be standing on that hill with my fellow Americans, walking beside them....standing for what's right even if I had to stand alone. I would like to think that my core nature would not disintegrate because of the era I was raised in.
I met someone a few years ago that stood on this hill as a child listening to Dr. King deliver this speech. Her parents held her hand, she stood in the middle, a pale face among a throng of brown faces. Her parents were very active in the civil rights movement not because of their sympathies for the plight of the African American, but because they were marching for their civil liberties as Jewish Americans. We watched this speech together and she talked about the marches they attended. Later one, I told a Chicano Literature class at Texas State in Round Rock. I learned the Hispanic side of the civil rights movement. I remember stories from my parents of the day schools integrated. The thing is, Dr King stood for a nation with a suffering population. He led blacks, Jews, Hispanics, and every other minority to the brink of actual freedom, to the parted sea of equality. This speech will forever be etched in the hearts of every red-blooded American, a sad reminder of a horrid past, and a happy promise of a brighter future.
For the above comment
Alexis Marquez
TTH 2pm
Taylor Lundgren TTH 2pm
This speech is amazing to me, everytime I see it I get chills down my spine. I think it's incredibly relevant nowadays and forever. This is a humongous turning point in our nations history and it's made more monumentous by the fact that MLK Jr. was murdered shortly after this.
They say history is written by the winner and judging off the amount of play this speech gets MLK's policies of nonviolence and passionate speech making have proven him to stand above all the hate he faced.
One thing that I'd like to add is that this speech is always going to be relevant. It doesn't just apply to racism, but even if it did, racism is still around in various forms. Everyone can take something from this speech. Some people can't understand struggle on a level that MLK had it, or even that some people today have it, but everyone knows struggle. There's something uniquely universal about MLK's words and that's why this is one of my favorite speeches of all time.
I really enjoy this speech. He sends such a powerful message, which is still being heard to this very day. I think the speech is extremely relevant in the sense that people still want their inalienable rights. People are struggling for equality, and it's inspirational to have a chance to listen to this speech.
James White
TTH 2 p.m.
I'm ashamed to say that was my first time seeing the speech from beginning to end. Ironically I'm watching it on the anniversary of Rosa Park's arrest. The speech was obviously well-written and given. In fact, I'd be hard-pressed to find anything I don't like about the speech. I specifically like his bank references and his sense of urgency. He mentions they need to act NOW and when they do act to NOT turn back. The speech may not be relevant in the realm of racism, but you could easily use this speech to address many issues we face today. We, as Americans, address many issues (debt crisis, homosexuality...etc.) in the same manner we addressed racism.
Andrew G. 2 p.m. TTH
This speech has so much emotion and drive put into it. Every time I watch it's almost like I'm watching this for the first time. Dr. Martin Luther King's speech is a powerful and compelling one indeed.
I love how king pushes to explain risks Americans must encounter and how he has the urge to serve the vision of an integrated society. This speech is such a significant piece of history and gave hope to those Americans that awaited the change that finally came. One could say that Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream is still in progress and is definitely relevant today. Although society has come a long way, the journey still continues.
Tiana Lee
TTH 11 a.m.-12:20
I really liked how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. put many historical references in his speech such as the Emancipation Proclamation and Declaration of Independence. I also liked how he incorporated the "My Country, 'Tis of Thee (America)" song in his speech.
The speech is most definitely relevant today because although the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, we still face discrimination today. In some southern high schools they still have segregated proms. The speech did make me think of the current events and the case in New York with a young man, Trayvon Christian, who is suing the clothing store Barney's and the NYPD in Manhattan for racial profiling. Trayvon bought a $350 belt and just outside of the store he was stopped by two undercover police who asked the student for identification and wanted to see what he purchased. They told him that someone from the store had concerns over the sale. They told him he could not afford such an expensive purchase. Trayvon spent two hours at the 19th Precinct. The lawsuit says that the incident occurred because of "discrimination based on the plaintiff's race and age".
Christina G.
TTH afternoon
The “I Have a Dream” speech marked the way for the civil rights movement and brought to light many un-justices that occurred all over the United States. I believe Dr. King’s speech still rings in the hearts of Americans as the bells rung on its 50th anniversary in churches and building across the United States.
The country has come along way, but it still isn’t perfect. And that is why the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s speech was so great. It helped us reflect on where we were and how far we’ve come.
The 50th anniversary brought up many issues that our country has faced and still is facing to this day.
-Jared Dyer 11:00 a.m.
This speech is so well known and a huge turning point for a lot of people in America in the 60's. King, along with his many supporters, demanded their freedom now, and they demanded things to change with a sense of urgency and without procrastination from the oppressor. They didn't want to see slow change over time; they would have rather seen significant change immediately. I can see this being the mindset of many people nowadays as well. We're used to receiving our information here and now by means of electronic media the second it happens. If we've heard about something happening 6 hours later, it's been too long. Imagine having to wait years and years for something as small as what we get on a daily basis. It was extremely difficult for King and his supporters to say no to violence and make an example so that white men and women would take them seriously and finally understand their argument on why everyone is created equally. It's an inherent liberty that we all deserve.
Kayla U. T/TH 2:00 pm
This monumental speech by Martin Luther King Jr. gives me shivers every time I hear it in its entirety. The combination of the substance of the speech, and its delivery are an attention grabbing and unforgettable combination. I particularly like the line “The difference between a dreamer and a visionary is that a dreamer has his eyes closed and a visionary has his eyes open” from the “I Have A Dream Speech”. I believe this particular part is important and memorable because it is something that I strive to do each and every day, that is, turn my dreams into reality. I believe this quote really begs the question of how to take ahold of ones life to every listener. I believe this speech is very relevant in today’s society, because we address problems with inequality on different levels everyday.
- Jordan Lee T/Th 2pm
I love this speech, its so powerful and moving, it's very long but so worth it! He's such an inspiration and an amazing man.
The quote it's not my favorite but i do like this quote “I have a dream that one day little black boys and girls will be holding hands with little white boys and girls.” Because race was such a problem back then and to hear that he said that and that's what is actually happening now is amazing to me and so inspiring that's what he saw and wanted for this country, for race not to be an issue.
It did make me think of current events but again there is so many i could say the whole treyvon martin situation, thats a perfect race example or even gay marraige how that's still an issue today.
Its still such an inspiring speech and i wish he was here to give more today.
Morgan McAlister TTH 2 Pm
No matter who you are or what kind of perspective you have on the world, Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech will always be one of the most powerful words expressed in America's history. I always get chills, as I'm sure many other people do, when I read or hear the part of his speech about letting freedom ring all across the land of the United States. And finally at the part when he says "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
I'm so glad that our nation had a man like him to start that incredible movement. I can't even imagine the bravery and courage it took him, and for that I know he will always be respected.
I definitely think the speech is still relevant today. Unfortunately, people are still having to fight for equality and to be treated the way they deserve. Obviously MLK's speech was more than necessary and I don't think our nation would've made the progress that it has without his influence.
Nicolle Beltz
T/TH: 2-3:20
I have always seen Dr. Martin Luther King Jr as a huge idol. He is an inspiration to all and was a more than important to our nation's history. His speech brings me chills every time I hear it and think about it. The drive he had for what he believed in is remarkable. He is an example for all of us to push for what we believe in and to pursue your dreams, because you can succeed. The influence he had on our country will never be forgotten and we all should reflect on his words more often.
Like many others I have always been aware of this speech and studied it many times. I haven't had the chance to watch it in full length until now. As many times as I've read it and watched clips it is still as impacting today as it was the first time I saw it. I think the older I grow the more impacting it comes. When you are younger you don't fully grasp what Dr. Martin Luther King did for our whole nation. We are also very unaware at a young age of the discrimination that takes place. Our world is still not perfect, but it is hard to imagine the acts that took place many years ago. It is easy to see how Martin Luther King's words impacted so many people and slowly changed our nation. Something really cool that we touched on in one of my classes that I had never thought about before was how the audience came together. There was no social media back then or a way to reach the audience through mass media. Regardless of that there were still so many people and some that traveled long distances. I think that is really cool and proves even greater how much MLK impacted our nation. Martin Luther King remains an idol and a hero of history. I hope his speech continues to effect generations forever.
This speech leaves me speechless. Ironic I know. For America to have a holiday just to celebrate this man, just shows how important this speech is and will be forever. It changed things to make them the way they are today. Things are still changing and I think this speech is what we refer to when discussing equality. There are still many obstacles to come across in equality with sexual preferences and even races still, but I believe that this speech is what shaped how people go about everything today.
Amy T. M/W 3:30-4:50
^^^I agree completely with person above me ^^^^
No matter how many times I've studied Martin Luther King Jr and his famous speech, I'm always amazed at how much impact his words had then, and still have today.
It's a shame that someone such as Martin Luther King Jr, who put so much hard work, dedication, and ultimately died for pushing for equality in our nation, that there is still hate and discrimination in our country.
Martin Luther King Jr is an inspiration to us all in that we should "not judge someone by the color of their skin, but the content in the heart."
Robert "Ross" Pirtle
T/TH 2:00
person before the person above me
Everytime I think about it, I can't believe that it took so long for people to be able to live "equally"... I also can't believe that this is the first time that I've actually listened to this speech. I had read it before, yet despite it being an amazing speech, you don't get the full "feel" of it until you listen to it. It's tough for me to pick a favorite part, but I will say that it can definitely be applied to present day problems. Homosexuality is a topic that many people (for absolutely ridiculous reasons, in my eyes) still have a problem with. However, I've been noticing immense progress and change, seemingly having a lot to do with our generation. It's in our hands to decide what we want to make of the issue, and luckily, we seem to be using that power correctly (for the most part). Future generations' views of these sorts of topics depends very much on the decisions that we make now.
This speech left me speechless with goosebumps. I've heard it before but every time I always have the same reaction. There is so much truth in his words it blows me away. This was truly inspiring and I believe everyone should watch it!
I absolutely love this speech. It's beautiful and speaks of the wisdom Dr. King had. It puts chills down my spine when I listen to it. I love how he refers to the Bible and the Declaration of Independence (two of my favorite written works). I also love how it's inspiring alone just by saying "I have a dream", it shows that no matter what was going on right there and the struggles he was facing, he had faith and hope. A dream of a better future. Of freedom. I totally think this applies today's world and that is what is creepy in a way about it. The struggles that aren't straight face. I honestly cannot understand why people have a problem with it. Love is love. Everyone loves differently. Everyone loves different people. Everyone is attracted to different people. Thank goodness we aren't all attracted to the same thing. Being upset and having a problem with someone being gay is like me being mad at my roommate because she doesn't like sweet tea. It makes no sense.
I hope things change and if you want them to, be the change you want to see in the world.
Lauren K, T/Th, 2
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