Martin Luther king, Jr. day By: Antréa Ferguson Martin Luther king, Jr. day “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

are all men “created equal?” Are all groups treated equally? Should we all be treated equally?

Majority vs. minority

Who was dr. martin luther king, jr.? He was A pastor A poet/author; most famous for “I have a dream” speech Nobel peace prize winner One of the greatest civil rights leaders of the 21st century

What was his message? Dr. King admired Ghandi and his social change through non-violent boycotts, protests, sit-ins and marches like the March on Washington in 1963 for Jobs and Freedom. People like Rosa Parks participated in bus boycotts/sit-ins and other non-violent measures to bring about change to the United States nation. He spoke with several government officials to change laws.

When was Martin Luther King, Jr. born? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. Americans celebrate his birthday every 3rd Monday of January. It is a national holiday, which means banks, schools, post offices and every public office is closed. Many get involved in community service.

Did he get a degree? From where! Yes! He got several degrees. One from Moorehouse College (Bachelor of Arts). Another from Cozer Theological Seminary (Bachelor of Divinity). A Doctorate’s from Boston University (systematic theology). He wasn’t just an eloquently spoken poet, he was smarter than your average bear.

Why was he fighting for equality? During the 1960’s, Martin Luther King, Jr. was living in a time of segregation, that is, institutionalized racism, where Blacks and Whites living separately was not a suggestion, but a Jim Crow law. Living like this meant that Black people were not treated equally. It was impossible to be treated equally because many Whites in power assured that everything Black people had were inferior in quality and appearance. This was even if it meant getting sick, or having no education, since hospitals and schools were a part of this segregation.

Why was he fighting for equality? Blacks were also routinely treated as criminals and thugs by police. They were beaten by police batons, chased down by dogs, and hosed by water hydrants.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2Iwa9Leu FM (Jim Crow, 0:19sec) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXYduNn4 s6Q (March on Washington 2014) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W34gkDX b5HM (WWE tribute video)

Where was MLK shot? Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 outside of his hotel room at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. His assassination was one of many in the 1960’s. Five years earlier in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was also shot and killed in Texas. Just three years earlier, in 1965 Malcolm X was also assassinated. He predicted his own death! “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now,” the Rev. Mr. King said that evening. “I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!”

How did MLK eventually prevail? He became a martyr. His death was the catalyst for change in America in every community including Blacks, the disabled, Native Americans, women and any minority. In 1986, the 3rd Monday in January was declared Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to honor his legacy. Thank you Dr. King!

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.