The Continued Influence of Dr. Martin Luther King

The Dream Goes On

Peter Stone
Peter Stone, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Jan 3, 2009 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s leadership and persistence influenced the 1965 Voting Rights Act being passed, giving all citizens the right to freely vote. Rights most citizens received with the 14th Amendment. Using speeches, conferences, marches and demonstrations, Dr. King brought the problem to the American public, and the American conscience.

Dr. King and the other marchers locked arms and walked the dusty roads of the south in peaceful protest. "We Shall Overcome" was a familiar refrain and became the theme song for the civil rights movement. I watched the black and white film of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech as he delivered it in 1963 in Washington, D.C. It is no coincidence that Barack Obama will take the Oath of Office during the Martin Luther King Birthday weekend. Barack Obama will be the first biracial President of the United States.

The news footage of the black and white "I Am A Man" signs carried by the striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, were a simple but eloquent declaration on hundreds of signs carried by men who wanted to work in equality. The strikers needed Dr. King to help voice their plight. He came to the rescue of his brothers and gave his life. The fact that King "was singled out for assassination," showed how powerful he was, which scared some Americans. On April 3 King returns to Memphis, determined to lead a peaceful march. During an evening rally at Mason Temple in Memphis, King delivers his final speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop." President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1968 on April 11, 1968.

The acclaimed rock band U2 recorded a 1984 pop hit "Pride" about arguably the most important civil rights leader of the 1960s. Four white guys from Dublin, Ireland, felt moved to write a song about Dr. King says a lot about how wide a net King cast in promoting civil rights. On the U2 1984 Unforgettable Fire, there's the sound track for MLK and Pride, additional tributes to Dr. King.

According to the Jewish Journal, a 36 year old Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a sermon at the Friday night Shabbat service at Temple Israel of Hollywood. During the Civil Rights movement, the African-American and Jewish communities were partners in the struggle. The sermon can be heard on the National Public Radio (NPR) website. In a November 2008 press release, part of this year's celebration is Dream On! - a musical tribute created by a collaboration of independent artists dedicated to continuing the dream of a King. The idea for Dream On! was born on Dr. King's birthday last January - inspired by the recently rediscovered sermon given by King at Temple Israel in Hollywood, CA, in 1965. The sermon spoke of the insuppressible power of love. Had Dr. King's life not been cut short, he would be celebrating his 80th birthday on January 15, 2009.

http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/kingpapers/index
http://www.last.fm/music/U2/_/Pride+(In+the+Name+Of+Love)
http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2007/01/martins_voice_in_hollywoo_1.php
http://www.tioh.org/WELCOME/history/

Published by Peter Stone

I grew up in Brooklyn, NY. I was happy doing clinical work. I've been studying and practicing for over twenty years. Married with children.  View profile

  • The Times reported that an "overflow crowd" of 1,500 at the temple gave King a warm welcome.
  • U2 gave a tribute to King with their song "Pride".
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., was originally named "Michael King, Jr.",
For Martin Luther King Day, the Temple Israel synagogue will play the sermon at a special service on Jan. 12 that will feature The Word Center Church Gospel Singers.

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