Shannon Hammer
Mrs. Kaplan
English 10
21, September 2014
Martin Luther King, Jr. Acceptance Speech
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 1964, when there was still a major issue with racial injustice. In his speech, he points out the many difficulties that are going on with segregation and how it needs to stop. Martin states that he is accepting an award that has not yet led to a nonviolent society, and how it has not yet restored peace all over the world. Martin Luther believes that peace in society is a key to equality for all mankind. He believes that no man or woman should be placed in society by their skin color. He states that “After contemplation I conclude that this award which I receive on behalf of the movement is a profound recognition that nonviolence is the answer to a political and moral question of our time.” (King Paragraph 4 line 19-20) King doesn’t believe segregation should be a major issue and doesn’t understand why we can’t just all live in a serene society. “Martin believes that-Nonviolence is a powerful moral force which will lead to a huge social transformation which will help people to learn how to live together in peace.” (King Paragraph 4 line 21-24) In his speech, he repeats words so we understand his point of view. He wants equality for everyone and he believes violence can be controlled if we limit our anger with people. “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality” (King paragraph 6 line 42) One of the repetitive lines King uses is by saying “ I refuse” in the beginning of many sentences. He repeats this line throughout his speech to prove his main point. King believes that we can become a nonviolent society, live in peace and he refuses to accept it any other way. In 1965, the Selma-to-Montgomery March started as a civil rights march to end all violence. The author of this article (Nicolaus Mills) talks about the horrifying journey to the end. He tells us that it was to end segregation and finally allow blacks to vote; but it wasn’t easy. They faced obstacles and many people that marched died or were severely hurt. Mills tells us “Shortly after the Selma-to-Montgomery March ended, Viola Liuzzo, a Detroit mother of five, was shot by members of The Ku Klux Klan...” (Mills paragraph 6 lines 1) It was a difficult time for everyone, but years later they were finally allowed to vote and Mills now looks back on that rough experience and is thankful to have his freedom.
Martin Luther accepts an award and although it is a major honor to receive, King accepts it knowing racism is still an issue and needs to be stopped. King does not understand how something like this could be given to him if it’s still a problem in the world. “Therefore, I must ask why this prize is awarded to a movement which is beleaguered and committed to unrelenting struggle; to a movement which has not won the very peace and
