By Miurel Zamora, Contributing Writer
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an African American protester, a leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950s, and an American hero. Some of his best known works include the “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered at the March on Washington in 1963, and the “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” a letter written in protest of unjust laws. However, King has written other pieces of literature that may be less known, but are no less impactful.
According to the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute, on March 25, 1965, King made a speech in front of the state capital of Alabama titled “Our God is Marching On.” The speech was given as they concluded the three day Civil Rights protest known as the Selma March.
The Selma March—as explained by the Memphis Teacher Residency—emphasized the right to vote, which was being denied to African Americans throughout the South.
In this speech, King encourages people to keep fighting with an encouraging call to action, “I come to say to you this afternoon, however difficult the moment, however frustrating the hour, it will not be long, because truth crushed to earth will rise again. How long? Not long, because no lie can live forever. How long? Not long, because you shall reap what you sow. How long? Not long.”
As stated by the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute, the Voting Rights Act was passed on Aug. 6, 1965, following the Selma March.
In 1967, poverty, war, and racism had become major problems in the United States. On April 14, King made a speech at Stanford University named “The Other America.”
In this speech, King focuses on addressing the economic inequalities of African Americans and making America one united nation, noted the Memphis Teacher Residency.
King describes two Americas—the first America is full of opportunities and freedom, while the other America has millions of work-starved people, and poverty reins within black communities.
King states that he is aware of the steps taken against racial inequality, such as allowing black Americans to use public transportation, vote, and go to lunch counters where white Americans also attend. However, at the same time, King explains that there are limited work opportunities and school segregation is a major issue.
King concludes his speech with a hopeful look towards the future: “With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discourse of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to speed up the day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and live together as brothers and sisters, all over this great nation. That will be a great day, that will be great tomorrow.”
King’s last speech was delivered on April 3, 1968, the eve of his assassination, according to Beacon Broadside. “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” is one of his most inspirational and emotional speeches, as he addresses Memphis’ most recent conflict with the Sanitation Workers Movement.
The Sanitation Workers Movement, writes History, was started on Feb. 1, 1968, after two African American workers were crushed by garbage compactors. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) indicated that the workers protested the Sanitation Department in order change these life-threatening conditions, as well as to improve the low wages. King was invited last-minute to Mason Temple in Memphis.
In his speech, King refers to the Old Testament and Promised Land as he brings hope to the people. He encourages everyone to join the fight of their brothers, and emphasizes the importance of staying together to defeat racial injustice.
Towards the end of the speech, King addresses an attempt on his life in 1958, but also emphasizes that he is not afraid to die. “I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!”
