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Let America Be America Again By Dr. Martin Luther King

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was not only a leader of the civil rights movement, but also a beacon of hope for millions of Americans. If he were alive today, he would undoubtedly stand in support of the notion of reparations for the descendants of enslaved Black Americans. As a visionary, he would have proposed a comprehensive and nuanced plan to address the issue, one that would make a lasting impact on the lives of those who have suffered the injustices of slavery. "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream." These words, spoken by Dr. King in his "I Have a Dream" speech, capture the spirit of what would be his vision for reparations. The idea of justice flowing like a river is a powerful image, one that resonates …show more content…

He notes, "America never was America to me / And yet I swear this oath— / America will be!" The promise that America would be a nation of freedom and opportunity has proven to be a hollow one for many descendants of African Americans who were held in slavery. Our society has been deeply impacted by the legacies of slavery and institutionalized racism, and seeking reparations is an essential first step in ending these persistent injustices. As Hughes expresses, "O, let America be America again— / The land that never has been yet— / And yet must be—the land where every man is free." The argument for reparations is based on the idea that America is a place of freedom and equality for all people. Reparations are required in order to acknowledge the past and current effects of slavery and institutional racism, in addition to providing financial compensation. Hughes describes, "The millions who have nothing for our pay— / Except the dream that's almost dead today." We must all strive together to achieve the dream of a just and equitable society in which all people are appreciated and

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