Drew D. Hansen

Excellently written, engaging and informative, this book focuses on Martin Luther King's speech made at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28, 1963.

Taking paragraphs of the speech with clarity, the author outlines the meaning and impact on not only those in attendance, but those of us who have heard references to the speech long after the actual event.

Interestingly, while most focus on the "I Have a Dream" portion of MLK's speech, his original text did not include this well-known part of the speech. Noting that he felt spiritually driven to include these words, so much more of the powerful speech is unknown and unquoted.

With a booming voice and knowledge of how to reach a crowd, King clearly outlined what was due the negro in America. Not only should there be white and black holding hands, not only should there be judgement of character rather than judgment of skin color, but in addition, there should be a fair share of the economic system for Negros who were living in base poverty. There should be a commitment to adhere to the constitution that ALL men are created equal with rights for ALL.

There should not be police brutality simply because the Negro wanted to have the freedom to vote. There should not be brutality because the Negro wanted a fair share of education.
They check that Lincoln wrote and promised was overdue with insufficient funds for equality.

Over a quarter of a million people marched peacefully on Washington. There was no violence, nor was there brutality. John F. Kennedy gave approval for the march. Within a short period of time Bayard Rustin expertly coordinated all the details of how to accommodate what they hoped would be a large crowd.

While watching King's speech from the White House, Kennedy remarked "That man is good!" Inviting the key speakers and organizers back to the White House, Kennedy shook hands and gave resounding credit for the peaceful march.

As a result, while Kennedy did not live to see the enactment, The Civil Rights bill was headed for legislation.

There was a hope that no more dogs, fire hoses and clubbing would occur when non violent marches were held, simply because the Negro was asking for the rights that white people enjoyed.

Highly recommended. Four Stars!… (plus d'informations)