The Eternal Pursuit of Equality: Martin Luther Kings Prophetic Ive Been to the Mountaintop Speech

Abstract

Martin Luther King "I have been on the mountain tops." I have selected Martin Luther King speech on “I have been on the mountain tops” that martin gave on April 3rd, 1968. It was his last speech before he was assassinated. The reason for the speech was to advocate for equality in payments for the people of color, just as the whites. He wished to talk to his audience about the need for them to be valued and respected just like whites. The speech was directed for equality for all regardless of race/color. Freedom and equality proved a potential gear for his speech which his supporters viewed from a positive perspective, thus gathered in thousands irrespective of the restrictions that bound them to gather for Martin's speech. Martins’ speech advocated for freedom and equality for Memphis workers. Martin purposely gave out his speech to express his support for Memphis sanitation workers as they fought for better pay and unionization. He wished to express his support and inclusion in their strike as they fight for their pay rights. Martin expected his audience to continue with the fight against racial discrimination until their rights becomes respected. Such reactions are well expressed through Martins’ repetitive phrase "I would not stop there," which aimed at telling his audience to continue with the fight until their grievances become heart, respected, and implemented. But I wouldn't stop there. Strangely enough, I would turn to the Almighty, and say, "If you allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the twentieth century, I will be happy." Now that's a strange statement to make, because the world is all messed up. The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land. Confusion all around. That's a strange statement. But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars. And I see God working in this period of the twentieth century in a way that men, in some strange way, are responding — something is happening in our world. The masses of people are rising up. And wherever they are assembled today, whether they are in Johannesburg, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; Accra, Ghana; New York City; [City, State]; [City, State]; or [City, State] — the cry is always the same — "We want to be free." And that's all this whole thing is about. We aren't engaged in any negative protest and in any...