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A speech that was forever etched in American history

Today marks exactly 60 years since Martin Luther King’s famous“I Have a Dream” speech.

The I Have a Dream speech was delivered during the March on Washington.

What is the March on Washington?

The March on Washington was a massive rally with about 250,000 protestors in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The rally was to draw attention to the inequalities African Americans faced. They were discriminated against at every step.

Whites and blacks had separate rooms, toilets, and even schools, shops, restaurants, and hospitals. African Americans had lower wages and didn’t have voting rights.

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington.  Source: Profimedia
The steps in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Source: Profimedia

And who was King?

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and a leading figure in the American civil rights movement.

In 1964 he became the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. It was awarded to him for his peaceful efforts to end discrimination.

He died in 1968. He was assassinated at only 39 years old.

His speech was one of the defining moments for the black equality movement.

He called for equality and freedom for all, and he is still considered one of the most famous figures in history.

What has changed since?

African American unemployment, which he fought against, remains at least twice that of caucasian Americans. This ratio has not changed significantly in the last half century.

Since the 1960s, the percentage of African Americans living in poverty has been cut in half.

But even today, unfortunately, they often receive unequal treatment and are often the target of police violence.

Glossary

Discrimination is the unequal treatment of an individual compared to someone else because of their race or nationality.

A Baptist is a member of a Protestant religious community, which baptizes adults.

An assassination is the murder of a famous person, usually for political reasons.

Points to Consider

  1. How well do you know American history?
  2. Is discrimination still a problem in the USA?
  3. Is discrimination an issue where you live?

***

The original version of this article was published on August 28th.

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Rebecca

Svetina is an English translator, EFL educator, and graphic designer. She is an American who has lived in Slovenia since 2008. She loves hiking and traveling with her family.

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