To better understand the iconic speech titled I Have a Dream by Luther King Jr on August 28, 1963, one must examine its content, importance to the past, and importance today.

I have a dream is an iconic speech made by Luther King Jr. and presented on August 28, 1963. The march advocated for jobs and freedom of the Black Americans. One of the central tenets in King’s speech is that the Negros continued to languish in poverty a hundred years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The proclamation promised all Americans, whether Black or White, “unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”[1] The Emancipation Proclamation promise has so far borne no fruits for the people of color in America. King compares the present situation of the Negros with receiving a cheque marked with insufficient funds.

Secondly, King reminds America that it is time to “make real the promises of democracy”. This means that he advises America to shift focus from segregation, a backward practice, to racial justice. Luther also says that the time has come for the nation to embrace brotherhood and reject racial discrimination. King noted that it would be fatal to overlook the issue of racial segregation in the country. He adds that there would be no tranquility in the country until the Negros were granted their constitutional right. This means that the people would continue to demonstrate in the country until the Negros are given their rights.

I have a dream DR. Martin Luther king

Thirdly, King urges his followers not to be guilty of wrongdoings in their struggle for freedom. He warns them against developing bitterness and hatred towards their oppressors. King says, “We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.”[2] This means that as they struggle to achieve freedom, they must be careful not to violate others’ rights. It may also mean fighting with the determination of the soul and not showcasing their physical might. The Negros have suffered from police brutality, have been denied opportunities to lodge at facilities near cities and highways, and cannot vote. King says that Americans can never be satisfied “until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

[1] The proclamation promised all Americans, whether Black or White, “unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” King, “I have a dream. (1968).

[2] King says, “We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. King, “I have a dream. (1968).