Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. - a Man Who Change The Race Issue

Introduction

In this outline of Martin Luther King Jr., we are going to take a brief look at the life and brave actions of this man who drastically changed the issue of racial discrimination of African-Americans in the US. Martin Luther King Jr. was a non-violent civil rights leader who was born on January 15, 1929. Unfortunately, he died at the age of 39 due to assassination on April 4, 1968 (Carson, 1998).

Early Life and Education

His birth name was Michael King Jr. until he decided to change it to Martin Luther King Jr. He was a famous leader and inspirer of an activist group whose aim was to promote non-violent protesting while creating equal rights for black and racially discriminated people. He started his journey as a young adult when he sought out a career in the ministry. He thrived in all his studies, was valedictorian of his class in 1951, and was elected student body president. During the mid-1950s onwards to King’s death, his leadership played a key role in the success of his movement throughout America and the world (Branch, 1988).

Influence and Leadership

Martin Luther King lived in a time of racial discrimination and poverty. He was first introduced to racism at the early age of six when his best friend’s dad didn’t allow King to play with his son because King was black. He later brought this problem up with his parents, who shared personal experiences of racial discrimination. Then, in September 1944, King began his studies at a local private college known as "The Black Man’s College," called Morehouse College. The president of the college at the time was Benjamin Mays, who inspired generations of Morehouse students by teaching intellectual excellence, religious piety, and commitment to racial advancement. King described Mays as one of the greatest influences in his life (Lewis, 1970). Martin Luther King Jr.’s father instilled in King motivation in a variety of ways, one being his heavy religious beliefs and the peaceful teachings of Gandhi. King started to notice a lot of injustice towards black people; they were getting hurt, dying, being treated like animals, and he wanted to change the way things were.

Impact and Legacy

By his death, he had already shaped his nation and the world so that black people in the U.S.A could vote, get treated equally, and have equal rights. This development by America influenced many other countries to do the same (Fairclough, 2001). King’s dedication and passion for justice earned him many followers who stood for his cause. He was well-respected and well-known, standing up for African Americans and their rights as civilians. Martin Luther King Jr. had a reputation for being jailed by police because he was so passionate about his work. He was imprisoned while doing what he loved and believed in.

Assassination and Aftermath

Martin Luther King was shot dead while standing on a balcony outside his second-floor area at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. News of King’s assassination prompted major outbreaks of racial violence, leading to over forty deaths nationwide and extensive property damage in over one hundred American cities (Dyson, 2000). His death served as a catalyst for further civil rights actions and legislation, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the fight against racial injustice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Martin Luther King Jr. gained many followers who stood for his cause. He was a well-respected and well-known figure who stood up for African Americans and their rights as civilians. Martin Luther King Jr. had a reputation for being jailed by police because he was so passionate about his work. He was imprisoned while doing what he loved and believed in. His assassination was a tragic event that underscored the racial tensions of the era but also galvanized the movement for racial equality and justice (Garrow, 1986).

References:

• Branch, T. (1988). Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-63. Simon & Schuster.
• Carson, C. (1998). The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Warner Books.
• Dyson, M. E. (2000). I May Not Get There with You: The True Martin Luther King, Jr. Free Press.
• Fairclough, A. (2001). Better Day Coming: Blacks and Equality, 1890-2000. Viking.
• Garrow, D. J. (1986). Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. William Morrow & Company.
• Lewis, D. L. (1970). King: A Critical Biography. Praeger.