The greatest speech ever delivered: Mlk's I have a dream

Martin Luther King Jr and other civil rights leaders gather before a rally at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28th, 1963, in Washington DC.


Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech is one of the greatest and most influential speeches in American history.  Delivered on August 28th, 1963, during the march of Washington for Jobs and Freedom, King's speech aimed to address the deep- rooted racial inequality and discrimination heavily present in the United States, even a full century after Lincoln signed the Emancipation proclamation. King said, "But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination." Personally I think about that quote often. Just in the sense that even today, many Negros are still looked down upon or treated differently based on their skin. In that one quote, King showed off his exceptional words and powerful rhetoric, and it's easy to see how he inspired so many people. That wasn't the only time he showed off his speaking ability. The introduction of said speech was strong and memorable, "I am happy to join with you today in what will go down as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation." This intro captivated nearly every viewer watching. Throughout his speech, King used various rhetorical devices to convey his messages effectively. For example, he used inclusive language, such as "we" and "our." By using later like this, the audience feels united and solidarity among the diverse group that showed up. King painted a vivid picture with his words alone about his vision for a future where racial equality would prevail. His dream was for people would be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. 
King skillfully employed metaphors and imagery to illustrate the harsh reality of racial injustice. These metaphors stuck with people, even today.
King's voice also carried a sense of passion, conviction, and urgency. He spoke with a measured pace, allowing his words to sink in with the audience. His speaking ability was able to captivate the entire audience, and that was evident with the applause he received. 
Mlk's "I have a dream" speech has and always will remain timeless. It helps his legacy live on.

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