Martin Luther King Research Paper

Leadership (n) – A position as a leader of a group, organization, etc. The power or ability to lead other people (Merriam-Webster, 2017). What truly makes an outstanding leader? You could consider true leaders are able to think creatively and/or have the ability to solve complex problems. You could also deliberate that great leaders leads by how they inspire people and even by the qualities they possess. One of the United States of America’s true inspirational leaders, faced discrimination unlike no other. Confronted with racial segregation, this leader fought for equal right for all American’s. This research paper will describe some of the challenges that Martin Luther King Jr. faced and how his dedication helped change the minds and attitudes;

King’s servant leadership became evident as he became a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). As a proven leader, Martin Luther King accepted the leadership of the first negro non-violent demonstration’s. His first test of organizational leadership came as Southern City of Selma, Alabama disapproved the use of African American’s using the same public transportation as whites. Dr. King organized numerous private vehicles to continuing transporting Blacks to and from locations throughout the city, successfully establishing an economic boycott of the city of Selma. This boycott lasted 382 days and in December 1956, the Supreme Court made this law unconstitutional. The courts made it legal for African-American’s and Whites equally available to ride these public buses. After receiving death threats, personal abuse and arrested multiple times, Dr. King, was elected as the President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Martin Luther King Jr. leadership style embodies the concept of transformational leadership. Dr. King’s involvement with leaders and followers elevated one another and also motivated people from all walks of life, strengthening the vision of the country for the future. He inspired his followers to change their outlooks and perceptions to achieve a common goal. According to Burns’ theory, he identified with four main descriptors of transformational leadership. Dr. King challenged segregation and injustice. With the leaders of the country, he molded a new pathway to racial justice creating an urgency of change right now (McGuire, 2007). By literally “walking the walk” and “talking the talk,” Dr. King, showed his commitment to the cause by protesting with the peaceful demonstrators. Treated with abuse and inhumane treatment of his followers, he continued to encourage them to work in faith. By articulating a clear vision to his followers, Dr. King motivated minorities to understand that the treatment they’re receiving is barbaric and illegal. Mr. King was able to unlock the mental handcuff’s that plagued the country to centuries. Lastly, he gained the respect of a nation. Forty-Five years after his assignation, the influence of his leadership is ever so clear. Today, African American’s as well as other minorities can dream for a bigger and brighter future regardless of the color of their