Dear Martin By Nic Stone: Character Analysis

We have come a long way from the dark times when we, americans, exercised slavery throughout the country. From when african americans fought for their freedom. From when they pursued through the rigorous implications caused by white men. From when public areas were segregated between white and black races. Today we have grown exponentially to become a country that is so diverse we can be proud of it, yet, though on paper we are all equal, are we in the eyes of society? The book Dear Martin by Nic Stone illustrates the life of the character, Justyce McAllister, who is top of his class at Braselton Prep, captain of the debate team, and set for an Ivy League school next year - but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in

Martin Luther King, Jr. played a major role, as they allowed JUstyce to ask questions that an average african american boy would never say out loud. This was essentially the heart of Stone’s story as she depicted Justyce’s views through the letters. But why with Martin Luther King, Jr.? Why not any other historical figure? As I reflect back to when I read the novel, I felt that Stone was attempting to restore his once renown legacy that had been tarnished over time as the true intentions and ideologies present in Dr. King had been misinterpreted by many across the nation. Moreover, in an interview with the Huffington Post, Stone is asked why she chose Dr. King instead of another political figure, which she states “He was a man of dignity, and he stood for what he believed in. But he was also anti-status quo, because the status quo wasn’t good for people like him. People should find out who he really is and what he really did. Dr. King supported non-violent protest...He marched in the streets. He was logical and a man of faith, but he was also radical when he needed to be. I think if he were alive today, he would be on that field, kneeling with the football players.” Nic Stone exemplifies her reasoning for the inclusion of Dr. King and, likewise, shares the same viewpoints on Dr. King’s legacy that has been altered in the public's eyes through their various