How Did Martin Luther King Jr Influence The Civil Rights Movement

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Martin Luther King Jr. is considered to be one of the most influential men in history who showed incredible persistence and courage, proving himself to be the central figure of the American civil rights movement. In January 1957, the Southern Christians Leadership Conference was founded, and Martin Luther was elected to be its president, marking the beginning of an unstoppable movement of love and compassion for all races. The American human rights movement was a large step forward towards equality and was spurred by Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Junior played a significant role in the movement, coordinating and planning protests and giving inspirational speeches to Americans of all ethnic backgrounds. King was taught that the racial …show more content…

This was the lattice upon which King began growing his maturity and influence so that he could rise as the central figurehead of the American civil rights movement. “King then enrolled in a graduate program at Boston University, completing his coursework in 1953 and earning a doctorate in systematic theology two years later” ("Martin Luther King, Jr. - Black History - HISTORY ", 2018). King’s doctorate in systematic theology gave him the experience and tools to write complex speeches to manipulate different emotions. This is one of the reasons why King was respected so much for his speaking skills. Also, this quotation explains how King was able to see a way to unite the black and white, as he would have learnt how to think in terms of solving and interpreting different pieces of theology. This would then translate and help him to interpret the political situation and the best solution. Dr King’s “… accomplishments are now taught to American children of all races, and his teachings are studied by scholars and students worldwide” proving him to be a very influential and skilful orator. King’s speeches inspired many, mostly due to their quality and sincerity. Martin Luther King Jr.’s gift for public speaking made him the best candidate for the leader of the …show more content…

As stated by the King Centre, "Later in 1963, Dr. King was one of the driving forces behind the March for Jobs and Freedom, more commonly known as the "March on Washington," which drew over a quarter-million people to the national mall" ("About Dr. King | The Martin Luther King Jr. Centre ", 2018). He was always found at the front of the marches leading his fellow protestors by example. "One of the ingredients any group needs if it hopes to make the change of any kind is strong leadership" (Chernus, 2018). Had King have not been part of the movement, America would possibly be a very different place as it is unlikely that another man in a similar position at the time of the movement, would have stood up and taken the stand against segregation with the threat of death. Ira Chernus is a Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder and a well-known author who states that, "A few talented fanatics" is the way I often put it now -- a few people who have the time, energy, and skills to make sure everything that needs to be done gets done well" are needed otherwise, "Without such talented fanatics, most groups are doomed to fade away sooner or later, and usually sooner" (Chernus, 2018). This statement explains the role of Martin Luther King Jr. in the American civil human rights