oppose violence was with non-violence, and that quiet, peaceful protests would
accomplish more than fighting.
This was not easy to do, since protestors were often violently attacked by police, and
many civil rights workers were murdered for their efforts to fight racism.
At marches, sit-ins, boycotts, and other nonviolent protests, Dr. King would give
impassioned speeches. His calls for justice and equality were so powerful that he inspired
many Americans, both black and white, to join his cause. His greatest moment came at a
huge march in Washington, D.C. in 1963, where his “I have a dream” speech electrified
the whole nation.
In 1964, the United States finally passed a civil rights law, and Dr. King won the Nobel
Peace Prize for his part in that victory.
Although Dr. King continued to receive death threats, he kept on fighting for social
justice. During his last speech, in 1968, he assured the crowd that black Americans would
reach “the promised land” of equality.. .but that he might not get there with them. The
very next day, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.
He is remembered as the greatest hero of the American civil rights movement.
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