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Biography

Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Man and the Dream

His was a powerful voice for peace, justice and change. Like so many who dare to confront society’s evils, he died a martyr. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. changed race relations in America forever. His tireless efforts to end racial injustice through nonviolent means made him the soul of the Civil Rights movement. BIOGRAPHY revisits the life and legacy of the legendary leader through interviews with his confidants and extensive analysis of his speeches and sermons.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Man and the Dream would be useful for classes on American History, African-American History, American Culture, Ethics, Civics and the Media. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Vocabulary

• accolade
• advocate
• annihilate
• appease
• bastion
• bequeath
• boycott
• conjecture
• cumulative
• doctrine
• eloquent
• embodiment
• fruition
• fundamentalism
• futility
• indignities
• martyr
• oratorical
• parsonage
• permeates
• pragmatic
• prestigious
• revere
• revile

Discussion Questions

1. How and why did Martin Luther Kings, Jr. embody the civil rights movement in America?
2. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought against segregation. What is segregation? What role did segregation play in the American South in the 20th century?
3. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived a privileged life. How was his childhood different from his father’s?
4. What is meant by the term “culture shock?” How did Martin Luther King, Jr. experience “culture” shock when he attended Crozier Seminary?
5. Why was Daddy King uncomfortable with Crozier Seminary and “Northern” ways?
6. Explain and discuss the doctrines of non-violence and civil disobedience.
7. Discuss the role of television in the civil rights movement.
8. Why did Martin Luther King, Jr. choose the city of Birmingham, Alabama to make a stand?
9. Discuss how Martin Luther King, Jr. became America’s moral conscience.
10. What is the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr?

Extended Activities

1. Write an essay on the impact of Brown vs. The Board of Education on American history and American culture.
2. Create posters encouraging people to participate in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.