10 Questions
What is the main purpose of King's speech?
To dramatize the continued oppression of African Americans
What metaphor does King use to describe the lack of progress since the Emancipation Proclamation?
The Negro still lives on a 'lonely island of poverty'
According to King, what did the Founding Fathers promise with the Declaration of Independence and Constitution?
Equal rights for all citizens
What phrase does King use to refer to the Emancipation Proclamation?
A momentous decree
Which phrase does King NOT use to describe the conditions facing African Americans?
Shackles of oppression
What three rights are mentioned in the text as being unalienable?
Life, Liberty, Property
What metaphor is used to describe the promises made by America?
A bad check marked 'insufficient funds'
In the text, what does the author urge against in the pursuit of justice?
Gradual change
What does the text suggest is a fatal mistake for the nation?
Overlooking the urgency of the moment
What is essential in conducting the struggle for freedom?
Maintaining dignity and discipline
Study Notes
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech
- Delivered on August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
- Marks the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of the United States
- Celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation
The Struggle for Freedom and Equality
- Despite the Emancipation Proclamation, African Americans are still not free
- They are crippled by segregation and discrimination
- They live in poverty amidst American prosperity
- They are marginalized and excluded from American society
America's Unfulfilled Promise
- The architects of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence promised equal rights for all
- This promise has not been fulfilled for African Americans
- America has defaulted on its promise, issuing a "bad check" with "insufficient funds"
The Demand for Justice and Equality
- The time for change is now, not in the future
- Dr. King demands freedom, justice, and equality for African Americans
- Calls for an end to segregation and discrimination
- Urges the nation to make democracy a reality for all
The Need for Peaceful Protest
- Dr. King emphasizes the importance of dignity, discipline, and non-violence in the struggle for freedom
- Warns against satisfying desires for freedom through bitterness and hatred
- Advocates for "soul force" over physical force in the face of oppression
Test your knowledge on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech delivered on August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. See how well you remember the powerful words and themes of this historic address.
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