LAD/Blog #27: MLK, Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech

King starts with bringing up Lincoln's emancipation proclamation and how 100 years later, Blacks are still oppressed and still are not granted the equal rights they are entitled to as an American citizen. King stresses points by using metaphors and figurative language in a powerful way which shows the urgency for change. The fact that his speech was given outside of the capital building only further demonstrates the urgency of the matter. He chose a spot which could not be ignored, for a message that could not be ignored. To go on, he warns American people that if this matter is ignored and overlooked, peaceful  protests will take a turn, people will get desperate, and revolts will turn to violent until a change is made. King addresses how no one will be satisfied until there is no longer a difference in how someone is treated based on their skin color. Next, he moves on to his famous dreams which are powerful ways to dive into the hearts of everyone with Martin Luther Kings Passion and hope, but also his sadness and disappointment. He sings "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and starts to finish by taking about how he wishes "freedom will ring" for not just the white, but everyone of every color.

"I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice."


"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 that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."