Democracy Not a Reality
Even though American democracy promised that everyone would be treated equal, many people in America were treated unfairly. They couldn’t get good jobs or make enough money to feed their families, they couldn’t attend the best schools, and they were treated in other unequal ways just because of the color of their skin.
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Dr. King and Thousands March
Dr. King wanted to show President John F. Kennedy and the rest of America that democracy was not a reality for everyone. He hoped and believed that the people would want to change the unjust laws once they knew the truth. After the Bus Boycott in Montgomery, Dr. King and his friends decided to do something big. They decided to have a march in Washington, D.C. to show the President and the rest of the country how many people supported democracy, civil rights, and equality for all.
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Democracy Wins Out
More than 200,000 people gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. At the time, this was the biggest protest that had ever happened in America, and people all over the world took notice. Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during this march. After the march, Dr. King and his friends met with President Kennedy, and the president promised to support the laws to guarantee civil rights and the promises of democracy for everyone.
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Think About It
In Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, he said,
“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.”
Dr. King says that he hopes that the children of enemies can learn to be friends and live together in peace. Why is it important to have love in your heart even towards people who are mean to you?
