Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a remarkable forerunner in the area of black rights.
He accomplished many achievements in his life, that although cut short, still prove to shape the black community. People today, of all races and backgrounds, admire and appreciate the sacrifices King made, and the precedent he set for future civil rights leaders. This past Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the upcoming Black History Month causes WSSU students to reflect on the life and achievements of Dr. King.
“I think Dr. King’s image as an intelligent, decisive leader gave blacks motivation at a time when they needed it the most. In my opinion, I think that Dr. King was the leader of a new American revolution, similar to the revolution America’s founding fathers led against the British. The ultimate sacrifice Dr. King made was his life, and that surpasses any other sacrifice he could have made.” Terence Grant, senior English major, 22.
“Dr. King helped us to integrate into the mainstream public society. His sacrifices for the Black community were that of a martyr; however, African Americans in the 21st century oddly have failed to acknowledge his sacrifices, and in turn carry on his dream.” Melody Mallett, junior rehabilitation studies major, 20.
“I think that we take the sacrifices he [Dr. King] made for us for granted. Blacks don’t vote, we don’t take advantage of all the opportunities that people fought so hard to give us, so people need to stop reading ‘I Have a Dream,’ and get their own dream. I think that he was the forerunner for many civil rights leaders.” Ashleigh Taylor, senior mass communications major, 21.