On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, in Washington D.C. ,on 28 August 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech that has endured the test of time and is regarded as a defining moment in American history, a turning point for African American rights in turbulent times.
Back then, a divided society was apparent in 1960s America. Rampant racism was visible throughout America, made clear by the signs which read “whites only”. Slavery in the past was partially kept in the form of segregation of blacks in schools, workplaces and in public. In a country self-proclaimed to be the land of the free, the irony of it is obvious for all to see. The African-American Civil Rights Movement was formed to end discrimination against African Americans, and was characterized by a number of events; most remembered of them all was the speech that shook America to its core.
The “I have a dream” speech was a powerful rallying call, crafted brilliantly to resonate with its audience. Standing behind the speaker, was the memorial for one of the greatest presidents of the nation, who famously toiled to abolish slavery, acted as a figure for the world to remember how this great man worked to achieve equality for the peoples of this country. The speech included references to well-known documents such as the declaration of independence, and the bible, which helped to spark the 250,000 strong supporters’ hearts. Strong, verbal remarks of inequality throughout the cities and ghettos of America where African Americans were being robbed of equal rights were compelling to its massive number of audiences. Repeated rhetoric of “I have a dream” being the most influential, its gripping strength still echo to this day.