GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – The Greenbrier Valley Martin Luther King Day Committee is honoring this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Essay Contest winners. This edition features the entry from Claralyn Terry.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Martin Luther King Jr. said these words during his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the base of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. On this day, he opened the eyes of many people in America. They could feel the emotion he put into the speech on that warm and sunny day. No matter what, all men are created equal. It has taken Americans years to see that, but Dr. King’s speech helped us to see that, along with his non-violent movement called the Civil Rights Act movement. Many men, women, and even children joined this movement for equal rights in America. For years, African Americans, or just different people of a different race, were treated poorly. White Americans used segregation and didn’t give African-American people rights, they still believed they should be slaves whenever they are people too. Dr. Martin held peaceful marches where he’d give speeches to try to put an end to the unjust treatment towards African-Americans. Dr. Martin was a Christian and a pastor; therefore, he ordered the Civil Rights Act to be a peaceful movement. He poured his heart, soul, and energy into every speech. He always dreamed for equal rights and thankfully, on July 2, 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed. This Act prohibited discrimination and segregation based on race, color, sex, religion, gender, or national origin. Sadly, Dr. Martin was assassinated on April 4, 1968, as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. King did many great things for people of color during his life. He will always be remembered today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
Claralyn Terry
