BHM: King speech called for action
By ELIZABETH SEBASTIAN
Madras Middle School
(Editor’s Note: Elizabeth Sebastian is one of four Madras students chosen to read portions of their essays at the school’s Black History Month Program.)
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He started that speech off by saying, “Five score years ago, a great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed he Emancipation Proclamation.”
He said this because despite President Abraham Lincoln’s attempt to establish equality for all, that still was not the case in our country.
Races were segregated in restrooms, stores, restaurants, schools, and other places.
Dr. King continued his speech by saying, “One hundred years later, the life of African-Americans is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.”
Realizing the need for social change, many citizens helped pave the road to freedom to demand equal rights.
Non-violent protests and other peaceful demonstrations ensured that all Americans eventually got their long-deserved freedom.
